Berlin bridge for new tram line lacks space for tram tracks
Planning errors in Treptow-Köpenick
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Bridge for new tram line lacks space for tram tracks
A new tram line is to run over the Britz connecting canal. But due to a planning error, there is no space for tracks on the new bridge. The traffic administration only became aware of the error through criticism.
Due to a lack of agreement during planning, the new construction of the Marggraff Bridge in Treptow-Köpenick WILL have no space for tram tracks. The confirmed Senator for Transport Bettina Jarasch (Greens) on Tuesday in Berlin. This hampered an important Senate tram project. First had die”Berlin newspaperreported.
The planned tram from Mitte to the south-east of Berlin is affected: the newly built Marggraff Bridge would have been an ideal opportunity to bring the tracks of the new tram line over the Britzer Canal – just as the old bridge did until 1973. However, the Federal Waterways Office responsible for this has already begun planning the construction of the new bridge in 2015 – four years before the state of Berlin laid down its idea with the tram in the local transport plan.
Administration only became aware of criticism
It is very annoying that both administrations did not notice the different plans. “I’m not happy about this process,” said Jarasch after the Senate meeting. Your administration only became aware of the error through criticism from the passenger association IGEB. “Since Berlin hasn’t approached the Waterways Office, I don’t expect anything to be done there.”
The federal highway 96 runs over the bridge, so the Waterways New Construction Office is responsible for the new construction. Its planning had already started when the then Senate decided in 2019 that a tram should run over the new bridge. “There will be a tram from Potsdamer Platz to Schöneweide,” says Jarasch. “It’s not about the timing, but it narrows down the options.”
Jarasch: Line will be completed by 2035
Because the new tram line definitely has to go over the Britzer connecting canal. They are sticking to completing the line by 2035, says Jarasch. The route over the Marggraff Bridge was only one of several options within a larger planning corridor. But probably the best option is now off the table.
First of all, it should be worked out why this planning error came about in the first place, the traffic administration said when asked by rbb. For the green transport senator, the process is doubly annoying: on the one hand, the tram expansion is an important part of the mobility turnaround, as Jarasch noted the new construction of the Marggraff Bridge shortly after taking office as the first concrete success.
Correction note: A preferred version of the text stated that the tram line should cross the Britzer Schifffahrtskanal. However, it is correct that this is the Britzer connecting canal. We’re bitten to apologize for the mistake.
Broadcast: Inforadio, February 1st, 2022, 6:00 p.m