New Tunnel to Boost Stability of Berlin Subway Operations

Berlin has symbolically broken ground on the new "Waisentunnel," a project designed to enhance the stability and efficiency of the city's subway operations.

The new tunnel, slated for completion in four years, will connect the U5 line to the broader U-Bahn network. Its primary function is to facilitate flexible train movement to maintenance workshops located in both eastern and western parts of the city. Currently, moving trains to workshops can be a lengthy and complex process, often requiring extensive road transport and taking up to two weeks instead of the usual two days, according to BVG CEO Henrik Falk.

This inefficiency significantly impacts the overall stability of the network. The new tunnel will allow U5 trains direct rail access to western workshops for essential maintenance, particularly major inspections only available there. Conversely, trains from other large-profile lines will rely on this tunnel for access to the Friedrichsfelde workshop when capacity is an issue.

The original Waisentunnel, over a century old, runs under the Spree River and has been closed for safety reasons for the past eight years. The demolition of the old structure and construction of the new one is a complex undertaking due to its location beneath the river. Shipping traffic on the Spree will continue during construction. The project's total cost is estimated at 100 million euros, with actual construction expected to begin in the coming weeks after the finalization of the bidding process.