Siemensbahn examining possible expansion towards Hakenfelde
In the heart of Berlin, exciting developments are underway as the Siemens railway prepares to return to its historic route, connecting the Siemensstadt and Gartenfeld districts from Jungfernheide station by 2029.
The revived Siemens railway line, initially built between 1927 and 1929, was 4.5 kilometers long and has been out of operation since a railway strike in September 1980. Now, three possible variants for the line extension have been developed and presented to the public by Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg.
The most realistic variant for implementation, as yet undecided, would see the route continue over or under the Havel, leading to the second new station in Hakenfelde, in the area of the intersection of Hakenfelder Straße/Streitstraße. The historic stations of Gartenfeld, Wernerwerk, and Siemensstadt will be reopened, requiring renovation and modernization of the stations.
The route would cross the island of Gartenfeld either underground or above ground, stopping northwest of it in the area of the intersection An den Rohrbruchwiesen/Am Havelgarten. Meanwhile, the northern variant for the Siemensbahn extension offers a combination of above-ground, underground, and elevated railway options. Two additional variants for the line extension would run south of this route variant, exclusively underground due to existing and planned developments.
The decision on the implementation of the Siemensbahn extension project, including potential further west to Falkenhagener Feld, is expected by the end of 2022. The project will include the infrastructure connection of the area via the reactivation of the "Siemensbahn" S-Bahn line by the end of the 2020s.
Elsewhere in Spandau, other infrastructure projects are currently being driven forward. Among these is the reactivation of the historical Siemensbahn and the development of the "Siemensstadt2" quarter. Siemens plans to build "Siemensstadt2" innovation hub by 2030, investing 600 million euros. This development project will create an urban area with open spaces for living, working, and researching, generating new public space.
Further projects in Spandau include the creation of a large event and commercial area called "Motorworld" and the "Waterkant Berlin" project in the Wasserstadt Spandau. The decision on the Siemensbahn extension will depend on the results of the feasibility study for a new tram connection from Paulsternstraße to Rathaus Spandau.
An above-ground track construction for the Siemensbahn would be significantly cheaper than an underground track using a tunnel boring machine. Despite the cost-effectiveness, the final decision on the construction method will be determined in the upcoming months.
As these projects progress, the people of Spandau can look forward to improved transportation, innovative urban spaces, and a revitalised historical railway line. The return of the Siemens railway is more than just a transportation project; it's a symbol of progress and renewal for the city of Spandau.
