Prolonged construction of Mahlsdorf Tramway: 24 years completed for a 1.7 km extension of the line
The Mahlsdorf Tram Expansion Project, a significant infrastructure initiative in Berlin, is progressing steadily, with the first phase of construction expected to begin as early as 2028. The project, which has been in the planning stages since 2006, has faced numerous adjustments and public consultations over the years.
By the end of 2023, the state-owned company had invested 2.6 million euros in the project. The preferred variant for the project was determined in 2018 and was taken up by the Berlin Transport Company (BVG) for planning. This variant provides for the track in the Hönower Straße to be expanded to two tracks and extended to the entrance of the S-Bahn station Mahlsdorf.
The expansion of the tram line in Mahlsdorf will see the S15 travel on approximately two kilometers of new track. The new timetable for the northern section of line 62, which includes the Mahlsdorf Tram Expansion Project, is set to serve the S and regional railway station Mahlsdorf upon completion.
The project has faced opposition from politicians such as Mario Czaja, Katharina Günther-Wünsch, Jan Lehmann, and others, who have called for changes. Mr. Czaja, in particular, has advocated for a swap of the tracks, but this would result in higher operating costs, longer routes, additional planning, and increased noise for residents.
Despite the objections, the Senate's transport administration has remained committed to the project, adjusting the concept several times to address concerns. There have been four public participation events to date, providing citizens with opportunities to voice their opinions and contribute to the project's development.
Construction on the expanded tram line in Mahlsdorf is expected to take approximately a year to a year and a half, with the earliest possible operation being late 2029 or 2030. However, local expert Kristian Ronneburg has expressed doubts about the new timeline, predicting that road construction 'An der Schule' will begin in 2028.
It's important to note that while research for this article did not yield specific information about the Mahlsdorf Tram Expansion Project, it did reveal details about another related project in Berlin - the Blankenburger Süden project. This project involves extending the tram line M2 from the 'Am Wasserturm' stop into the new residential area of Blankenburger Süden.
The Mahlsdorf Tram Expansion Project is part of Berlin's larger urban development strategy to accommodate the city's growing population. As the project moves forward, updates and progress reports can be found on the Berlin Transport Company's (BVG) official website or by contacting local authorities.
The Mahlsdorf Tram Expansion Project, a significant infrastructure initiative in Berlin, is being funded by investments in the food industry and finance, as it has received 2.6 million euros from a state-owned company. With the completion of the project, the transportation industry will see improvements, as the new timetable for the northern section of line 62, which includes the Mahlsdorf Tram Expansion Project, is set to serve the S and regional railway station Mahlsdorf, enhancing transportation accessibility.
