Hamburg’s Sternbrücke Project: City Faces Additional €13 Million in Costs
Hamburg, September 29, 2026 – The city of Hamburg is facing an unexpected increase in its financial contribution to the new Sternbrücke railway bridge project. Originally slated to contribute €86 million, the city’s share has now risen by an additional €13 million, bringing the total to €99 million. This information was confirmed by the Hamburg Senate in response to a minor inquiry from the Left Party faction in Hamburg.
Unavoidable Cost Increases, Says Deutsche Bahn
The cost escalation is primarily due to “construction-related additional costs,” according to the Senate’s response. The German railway company, Deutsche Bahn, stated that the increase was unavoidable to complete the bridge within the allocated timeframe for the railway line closure. To meet the schedule, a multi-shift operation was implemented, and additional space was required for construction. Furthermore, expenses for temporary housing for residents and explosive ordnance disposal were higher than initially planned.
Left Party Criticizes Hidden Costs
Heike Sudmann, a member of the Bürgerschaft (Hamburg Parliament) for the Left Party, accused Transport Senator Anjes Tjarks (Green Party) of concealing the higher costs of the “monster bridge” in the budget. The Senate has accepted the cost increase to ensure the continuation of the remaining work on the bridge. A detailed review of all costs will be conducted once the final bill is presented. The total cost of the Sternbrücke project was not disclosed in the Senate’s response.
A Technical Masterpiece: The New Sternbrücke
The new Sternbrücke, a four-track railway bridge in Hamburg-Altona, became operational at the end of August after months of construction. The railway line between Altona and Sternschanze was closed for six weeks during this period. This route, connecting Hamburg-Altona and the main station, is an international railway corridor, handling approximately 900 trains daily across four tracks. The Sternbrücke, weighing 3,700 tons, was considered a technical masterpiece to install.
Earlier Reports and Project Background
The “Hamburger Abendblatt” was the first to report on the increased costs. The successful installation of the new Sternbrücke was widely covered, with NDR.de reporting on September 1, 2026, that trains were rolling again. A blog by NDR on July 31, 2026, detailed the spectacular transport and installation of the 3,700-ton structure, which was moved on 1,088 wheels. Following the bridge’s transport, the Max-Brauer-Allee required extensive repairs and remained closed until October 20, as reported by NDR on September 4, 2026.
Source: ndr
