Poccistraße U-Bahn Station to Undergo Extensive Eight-Month Renovation
Munich, March 26 – The Poccistraße U-Bahn station, a vital hub for lines U3 and U6 in Munich, is slated for a comprehensive eight-month closure beginning in May 2026. These urgent renovation works, spanning two distinct phases, are anticipated to conclude by August 2027, according to an official announcement.
The intensive refurbishment is deemed critical due to the station’s age and existing structural deficiencies. Opened in 1978, the station’s steel infrastructure has shown signs of rust, with significant defects in the ceiling vault’s supporting structure first identified a decade ago. Provisional securing measures were implemented by MVG in December 2016, but now permanent solutions are required.
Phased Closures to Accommodate Key Events
The renovation project is structured into three construction phases to minimize disruption, particularly during peak times such as Oktoberfest and the colder months when U-Bahn usage is higher. The first full closure of the entire station, during which no trains will pass through, is scheduled from May 18 to September 18, 2026. This phase requires precise timing, as the station must reopen on September 19 for the start of the Oktoberfest, located near the Theresienwiese.
Following the Oktoberfest, the second construction phase will commence, currently slated for October 5 to November 27, 2026. During this period, a single-track operation with passenger changes at Poccistraße station is planned. The station will then operate normally from November 28 until spring 2027.
The third and final construction phase will see another complete closure of the U-Bahn station, including no train passages, from April 12 to August 1, 2027.
Rail Replacement Services to Mitigate Impact
To alleviate the impact of the full closures, a comprehensive rail replacement service (Schienenersatzverkehr – SEV) will be implemented using buses. During the periods of full closure, buses are planned to run every two minutes between the Implerstraße, Poccistraße, Goetheplatz, and Sendlinger Tor stations. Additionally, an SEV bus will operate every five minutes from Implerstraße to the main station, extending coverage beyond the immediate U-Bahn route.
Focus on Structural Integrity and Fire Safety
Beyond addressing the visible rust and structural defects, a significant focus of the renovation is on enhancing fire safety. Plans include the installation of a powerful mechanical smoke extraction system. This system will feature a separate, nine-meter-high exhaust tower equipped with a smoke extraction turbine, ensuring improved safety for passengers.
Funding Through Parking Space Compensation
The total estimated cost for the renovation project is approximately 23.5 million Euros. During a city council meeting on March 25, 2026, it was decided that a portion of these costs, specifically 9.3 million Euros, will be financed through the parking space compensation scheme (Stellplatzablöse). This scheme involves developers paying a fee to the city of Munich when they cannot provide sufficient parking spaces for new constructions. These funds, which vary between 7,500 and 12,500 Euros per parking space depending on the zone, are typically used to fund the expansion of parking garages and, in this case, public transport initiatives.
The extensive renovation of the Poccistraße U-Bahn station underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining and modernizing its public transportation infrastructure, ensuring safety and efficiency for its growing population and numerous visitors.
