Hamburg, May 30 – Thousands of Hamburg residents flocked to the new U4 subway extension to Horner Geest on Saturday, getting a rare sneak peek at the 2,600-meter tunnel that will soon connect an additional 13,000 people to the city’s U-Bahn network. The event, organized by Hochbahn, allowed approximately 4,500 citizens to walk through completed sections of the tunnel, which is slated to commence operations by the end of 2027.
A Unique Opportunity to Explore the Future of Public Transport
The public viewing offered an unprecedented chance to experience the future of Hamburg’s public transportation firsthand. Enthusiastic attendees descended onto the platform level, walked along the tracks, took photographs, and engaged with Hochbahn staff. “We want to show Hamburg residents what their subway will eventually look like,” explained Hochbahn employee Britta Scharf. “We also want to involve them in the journey to the finished subway. We’re doing that today by inviting them to see the completed shell.”
Visitors were able to explore a 600-meter section of the tunnel and the new Stoltenstraße and Horner Geest stations. While escalators are yet to be installed, temporary metal stairs provided access. The overwhelming turnout presented a logistical challenge for the organizers. “It’s a challenge for us to safely guide people through here,” said Jens-Günter Lang, Technical Director of Hochbahn. “This demands a lot from the entire project management and all colleagues.” Tickets for the event were distributed in advance, and walk-ins were not admitted.
Construction on Schedule Despite Challenges
Dirk Göhring, the U4 project manager, expressed satisfaction that the shell construction is precisely on schedule. “We have completed all excavation pits. And that’s a milestone from which nothing can really go wrong anymore. You deal with soil where you don’t know exactly what to expect. You deal with groundwater. And we’ve put all that behind us now.” One significant challenge involved groundwater infiltration into the construction pits, a result of the soil consisting of fine sand rather than clay. Fortunately, no large boulders were encountered during the excavation.
Connecting 13,000 Residents and Halving Travel Times
The U4 extension is set to significantly improve connectivity for approximately 13,000 residents in eastern Hamburg, who will gain direct access to the U-Bahn network for the first time. According to Hochbahn, the travel time to Hamburg city center is expected to be almost halved for these commuters. This development is part of a broader effort to enhance public transport infrastructure in the city.
Despite stricter EU regulations, the U4 construction project has remained on schedule, a testament to meticulous planning and execution. The project underscores Hamburg’s commitment to expanding its public transport offerings and adapting to evolving urban mobility needs.
Impact on Hamburg’s Urban Landscape
The new U4 line is not only a functional improvement but also a significant addition to Hamburg’s urban landscape. It represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable modes of transport. The successful completion of the tunnel’s shell marks a crucial step towards realizing this vision.
The enthusiasm shown by the public during the tunnel exploration highlights the strong community interest in and support for such infrastructure projects. As the U4 extension moves closer to its operational phase, it promises to bring substantial benefits to the daily lives of thousands of Hamburg residents.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/neuer-u4-tunnel-zur-horner-geest-rundgang-fuer-4000-menschen,ubahn-158.html
