Major Overhaul of Hamburg-Berlin Line Impacts Lower Saxony’s Rail Network
The upcoming major renovation of the long-distance railway line between Hamburg and Berlin will also affect rail operations in the German state of Lower Saxony. Commuters traveling between the Harz mountains and the coast will experience significant service disruptions starting in August, as announced by Deutsche Bahn, the German national railway company.
Updated Timetables Now Available
Revised timetables are now available, detailing service changes for these routes, where passengers will face travel restrictions for nine months.
Hamburg-Berlin Line Rerouted
The Hamburg-Berlin line spans approximately 280 kilometers. During the renovation, long-distance trains on this route will be diverted via Uelzen (Lower Saxony) and Salzwedel (Saxony-Anhalt). This rerouting will add at least 45 minutes to travel time.
New Direct Connections Emerge
The company also stated that "new direct connections to Berlin and Hamburg will be established in northern Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt during the construction phase." This project follows previous construction work undertaken by Deutsche Bahn on the line last year.
Affected Routes in Detail
The specific routes impacted by the service changes are as follows:
1. Hamburg-Berlin Line
- RE2: Uelzen – Salzwedel – Stendal – Rathenow – Berlin
- RE5: Uelzen – Salzwedel – Stendal – Rathenow – Berlin
- ICE: Hamburg – Uelzen – Salzwedel – Stendal – Berlin
- IC: Hamburg – Uelzen – Salzwedel – Stendal – Berlin
2. Hanover-Bremen Line
- RE9: Braunschweig – Wolfsburg – Uelzen – Lüneburg – Hamburg
- RB37: Braunschweig – Wolfsburg – Uelzen – Lüneburg – Hamburg
3. Braunschweig-Bad Harzburg Line
- RE10: Braunschweig – Goslar – Bad Harzburg
- RB42: Braunschweig – Goslar – Bad Harzburg
4. Hildesheim-Goslar Line
- RB44: Hildesheim – Goslar – Bad Harzburg
5. Braunschweig-Göttingen Line
- RE16: Braunschweig – Kreiensen – Göttingen – Kassel
- RB45: Braunschweig -Salzgitter – Kreiensen – Göttingen
Impact on Travelers
Passengers are advised to allow additional travel time and to check updated timetables before embarking on their journeys. Deutsche Bahn recommends purchasing tickets in advance to secure capacity and avoid potential overcrowding, particularly during peak travel times.
Alternative Travel Options
Alternative travel options, such as bus services, are being arranged to accommodate travelers affected by the rail disruptions. Detailed information will be provided by Deutsche Bahn in the coming weeks.
Completion Timeline
The renovation project is scheduled to be completed by May 2024, at which time rail services are expected to resume normal operations.
Deutsche Bahn emphasizes that this major overhaul is essential for maintaining and enhancing the efficiency and safety of the rail network. The company expresses its appreciation for the understanding and patience of travelers during this period of disruption and assures them that it is committed to providing timely updates and support.
