Tram line 21 in Berlin: threatened with closure – new things won’t come until 2026!

Tram line 21 in Berlin: threatened with closure – new things won’t come until 2026!

In Friedrichshain and Rummelsburg, drastic changes are imminent for tram line 21. The BVG has decided to close parts of Boxhagener Straße and Marktstraße by the end of the year, as both the tracks are in a condition that no longer allows any further use. In addition, the line will only be able to be put back into operation with the long-awaited new line via Ostkreuz station, which unfortunately is still on the agenda without a specific date. How ND currently reports, the current situation is causing a certain amount of discontent among residents and passengers.

The reasons for the shutdown are varied. A new switch is to be installed at the Wismarplatz stop to enable continued operation on parts of Boxhagener Straße. The BVG also plans to set up an intermediate terminus on Boxhagener Straße in the direction of Holteistrasse by the end of the year.

The role of the Ostkreuz train station

Ostkreuz, the busy train station, will play a key role in the plans. Around 235,000 passengers use this central transfer station every day. The plan to connect the tram line with the train station was made by the Senate a few years ago, but the original goals - stopping the first trams at Ostkreuz in 2016 and then in 2026 - were not implemented as desired. There are currently only vague prospects for implementation, which is increasingly frustrating citizens Berlin Live reported.

The newly planned tram line will take line 21 from Wühlischplatz via Holteistrasse and Sonntagstrasse to Marktstrasse. At the same time, a new line 22 is being planned to improve connections to the districts of Friedrichshain, Rummelsburg and Karlshorst. A comprehensive planning approval process has been running since 2017, but implementation is encountering hurdles due to various problems.

Problems and challenges

A major concern of residents on Sonntagstrasse is the expected noise and vibration problems that could arise from the new route. In addition to firefighting measures, fire protection problems also have to be taken into account on a daily basis, which could put additional strain on planning. Loud BVG A solution still needs to be found for these challenges.

The BVG has made proposals for a special design of the overhead lines, which, however, still need to be agreed upon. There is also a pedestrian zone on Holteistrasse, which can only be used with special permits. Proper coordination with the traffic administration is essential for smooth traffic, but at the moment it remains unclear how the difficulties will be solved.

All in all, the situation surrounding the trams in Friedrichshain and Rummelsburg is complicated. The BVG and the Senate are on a path that looks promising, but is currently fraught with many uncertainties. The residents, who are hoping for quick solutions, are looking forward to the future.