Tram traffic resumes on Wuhlheide Bridge, traffic flow restored. - Enhancements implemented by the Commission aim to bolster the safety of the railroad infrastructure.
Resumption of Tram Services on Wuhlheide Line Following Bridge Assessments
Berlin, Germany - The Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) announced’ this morning that tram service on the Wuhlheide line will gradually resume, over a week after the closure due to safety concerns related to the Wuhlheide Bridge in Berlin-Oberschöneweide.
Initially, a shuttle service of line M17 will be established, providing a 10-minute service between Blockdammweg and S-Bahnhof Schoeneweide. Other tram lines will continue with their diversions. Notably, bus replacement services in this area will cease, with all lines resuming normal operations from Saturday.
This transition period is necessary to synchronize all information systems, schedules, and timetables for stable operation as the tram line had been closed due to the unstable Wuhlheide Bridge.
Pedestrians and cyclists will further benefit from the reopening of the Treskowallee to Edisonstraße crossing as of today. Despite the absence of a traffic light at the intersection, traffic control personnel will manage tram traffic as well as pedestrian and cycling traffic until the installation of the signal.
The Senate Administration has acknowledged the structural issues affecting the Wuhlheide Bridge, which necessitated its demolition on May 25. Regular inspections revealed numerous cracks along the entire length of the bridge, posing a potential risk of collapse. As of late May, six of the nine construction sites for the demolition have been completed, with the entire project set to be finished by June 27, 2025.
The resumption of partial tram services marks a step towards restoring normalcy in the area's transportation network. Motor vehicle traffic easements are planned for June 6, 2025, subject to construction progress and weather conditions. The demolition and subsequent rebuilding efforts are expected to have long-term effects on the infrastructure and traffic patterns of the region.
The Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) plans to integrate community aid, in the form of increased funding for the steel industry, to reinforce the steel structure of the new Wuhlheide Bridge, ensuring its stability and durability for public-transit operations, including trams and buses.
Once the construction of the new Wuhlheide Bridge is completed, it is expected that the steel industry will play a significant role in maintaining the bridge and other necessary public-transit infrastructure, ensuring efficient and safe transportation for the citizens of Berlin, including the thoroughfares of Treskowallee and Edisonstraße.
