North-South Berlin S-Bahn tunnel closes until mid-February

A tunnel on Berlin’s North-South S-Bahn route will be closed for maintenance until February 16, 2024, disrupting four routes.

S-Bahn tunnel closed in Berlin for six weeks

It’s unfortunate news for anyone who commutes in Berlin, a six-week-long disruption has begun on one of the city's busiest North-South routes as a tunnel closes for maintenance.

The S1, S2, S25 and S26 S-Bahn trains will be the most affected by the tunnel closure. On a normal schedule, 780 trains pass along this stretch of track every day. In the meantime, passengers will have to make do with the dreaded “Ersatzverkehr mit Bussen” (replacement bus service) between Gesundbrunnen and Südkreuz/Yorckstraße (Großgörschenstraße).

Disrupted services will continue until 1.30am on February 16, 2024.

1930s tunnel requires ongoing maintenance

For seasoned Berliners, this might be a familiar S-Bahn disruption. That’s because the tunnel, which was built in the 1930s and runs straight through the centre of Berlin, requires annual maintenance.

Six kilometres of tight turns, inclines and declines make it one of the most thrilling rides of the transportation network, with screeching akin to the London Underground. This dated infrastructure means the stretch requires more regular checks and repairs.

Thumb image credit: Jaz_Online / Shutterstock.com