Hamburg U3 Line Closure: Barmbek to Mundsburg Section Affected Until July
Hamburg, May 11 – The U3 subway line in Hamburg will be closed between the Barmbek and Mundsburg stations starting Monday, May 11, until Sunday, July 5, at the end of service. The closure is necessary for the comprehensive renovation of twelve bridges along Hamburg’s oldest subway route. Commuters should anticipate an additional 20 minutes of travel time during this period.
Extensive Renovation Work on Historic U3 Line
The renovation project encompasses the renewal of twelve bridges: four stone viaducts and eight steel-structured bridges. According to Hochbahn, the operator, the extensive refurbishment is critical due to the line’s age, approximately 110 years old. This section is among the oldest in Hamburg’s U-Bahn network, having commenced operations in 1912.
Sven Möller, U-Bahn Operations Manager, stated to NDR Hamburg Journal, "The U3 is one of our oldest subway lines. It began service in 1912."
Replacement Bus Service and Additional Weekend Closures
A replacement bus service will operate between Barmbek and Mundsburg from May 11 to July 2. In addition to bridge renovations, 5,800 sleepers will also be replaced. The total cost of these works is estimated at 28 million euros.
Furthermore, the closure will be extended on three weekends, affecting the section from Barmbek to Berliner Tor, from Friday to Sunday. These extended closures are scheduled for:
- May 29 to May 31, 2026
- June 12 to June 14, 2026
- June 26 to June 28, 2026
Upcoming Works on U1 Line and S-Bahn Restrictions
Following the U3 renovations, work will commence on the U1 line in Ohlsdorf. This section is slated for a 13-week closure from mid-July to mid-October, with replacement bus services also planned. Hochbahn will release further details regarding the U1 closure at a later date.
Concurrently, S-Bahn services in southern Hamburg are experiencing restrictions. Due to construction in the Harburg S-Bahn tunnel, no trains will operate between Wilhelmsburg and Neugraben stations until May 23.
Hochbahn’s Major Projects for the Year
The Hamburg Hochbahn has outlined its major planned projects for the year, primarily impacting passengers on the U1 and U3 lines. The company is also launching an operating depot for self-driving Holon shuttles, with the first ten autonomous buses, capable of carrying up to 15 passengers, expected to operate in Hamburg by the turn of the year.
The construction of Hamburg’s underground railway system began in 1912 with the opening of the first U-Bahn line, initially as a ring line, marking the rapid start of a successful history in urban transport.
Source: NDR.de
