Berlin, December 23 – Commuters in the capital region will need strong nerves in the coming year as the rail network faces numerous construction projects. While some significant undertakings will conclude, promising improvements in local and regional transport, others will bring substantial disruptions. Here’s an overview of the most important construction projects planned for 2026.
Hamburg-Berlin Line Nears Completion
A major Deutsche Bahn construction project, the general refurbishment of the long-distance route between Hamburg and Berlin, is set to conclude in the first half of 2026. Tracks, switches, overhead lines, and signal box technology are currently undergoing comprehensive renewal and modernization. Long-distance traffic is being diverted via Stendal and Uelzen, adding approximately 45 minutes to journey times. Affected regional commuters must use replacement buses. Work and restrictions are expected to continue until the end of April, after which the line is anticipated to reopen, offering increased reliability.
Lehrte-Berlin Route Faces New Full Closure
Following the completion of the Hamburg-Berlin line, another comprehensive renovation will begin in October on a crucial long-distance connection in the German rail network: the Lehrte (near Hanover) to Berlin route. This connection will be fully closed for the first time between October and December. The diversion concept for long-distance traffic is yet to be announced, but regional services will again rely on replacement buses. Further full closures are planned for the same period in 2027. This will affect not only commuters but also travelers heading towards North Rhine-Westphalia via Hanover.
Alexanderplatz Station Undergoes Core Renovation
Significant restrictions are anticipated at Alexanderplatz station over the next few years. A core renovation is scheduled to take place from early 2026 until mid-2029. All shops and food stalls are already in the process of closing and vacating the station. Deutsche Bahn has announced initial preparatory construction measures for the coming weeks. Train operations are expected to continue as usual, but activity within the station itself will be minimal, similar to the current situation at Zoologischer Garten station.
Europaplatz Redesign and S-Bahn S21/S15 Expansion
Another construction site is planned for the first half of 2026 north of the main station: Europaplatz is to be completely redesigned. A central element will be a barrier-free “movement corridor” connecting the station with bus and tram stops, according to the responsible building senate administration. Plans also include a bicycle parking facility with space for around 220 bikes. Pedestrian and cycle paths will be reorganized, and 30 new trees will be planted. The bus stop will also be renewed and equipped with modern display technology. The exact timeline is not yet known, as the Senate Administration is still in the process of awarding the construction contract, which is expected to be finalized in January.
After years of delays, the new S-Bahn connection between the Berlin Nordring and the main station is scheduled to go into operation at the end of March. This will provide Wedding with a direct S-Bahn connection to an important long-distance transport hub. A new S-Bahn station has been built under the main station for this purpose. Deutsche Bahn internally plans for the new connection to start on March 28.
This connection forms the first part of the overall “S21 Berlin” project, a North-South connection that Deutsche Bahn aims to significantly relieve the Berlin S-Bahn network in a few years. It is planned to run from the Nordring via Hauptbahnhof, Potsdamer Platz, and Yorckstraße to Südkreuz. Two further sections are planned but are not yet under construction.
Continued Work at Wollankstraße S-Bahn Station
Construction continues at Wollankstraße S-Bahn station in Pankow. The railway overpass is currently being rebuilt, and tracks are being expanded and renewed. S-Bahn traffic remains interrupted there. According to the railway, a second platform access from the Pankow side is to be built in the coming months. Furthermore, the installation of foundation pipes for noise barriers is planned for March. Traffic on Wollankstraße under the bridge has been possible again on one lane since early December, but further full closures are not ruled out.
Source: morgenpost.de
