Reasons for Construction

An overview of restrictions in the service schedule due to construction projects.

Philipp Goers

Track work and rail switch construction in Grunewald

Several companies with highly specialized teams are at work to ensure our red and yellow vehicles are in top shape for service. Among other things, the S-Bahn Berlin maintains the vehicle fleet, while the DB InfraGo - Stations division (Geschäftsbereich Personenbahnhöfe) is responsible for the construction and operation, as well as the maintenance and production of stations. The tracks, the switches and the signals of the S-Bahn Berlin – which, in addition to the track systems and crossings, includes the Electronic Interlocking System (ESTW) and signal boxes – are cared for by the DB InfraGo - Tracks division (Geschäftsbereich Fahrweg). Regular maintenance and repair work is needed to keep the 340-kilometer network in excellent condition.

Whether it be station repairs, track replacement, or the installation of the train control system (ZBS), these construction projects are planned well in advance in order for them to work collectively. The construction companies work hand in hand with us to minimize any burdens on our passengers.

We like to keep out construction projects in the "background" of the average commuting day; however, despite all our efforts to do so, at times they take on a considerable presence.

familie redlich AG

Minor maintenance work

Minor maintenance tasks include, but are not limited to, regular inspections, switch and track grinding, or surveying the rails to check the condition of the tracks.

These and other maintenance jobs are performed regularly, often several times a year. Service breaks from 10:00 PM until the early morning are necessary for these routine maintenance tasks. If the construction site is safe to travel through, train service will operate on a single-track.

How long does it take? Minor maintenance tasks take about 68 hours to complete.

Major maintenance work

A rail replacement takes place approximately every ten years depending on the impact and erosion of the segment. Maintenance on the entire superstructure, in which rails, ballasts, and sleepers are replaced– comes about every 20 years or depending on the condition of the tracks and how often they are used.

The Ring-Bahn tracks, which reopened in late 1993, have progressively seen superstructure replacements in segments since 2012/13. Not only the tracks but also the old switch systems are replaced.

How long does it take? Larger maintenance tasks take several days to several weeks. The duration of the work varies depending on the machines and the rail segment length.

Renovations

Major construction projects, such as the Ostkreuz station renovation, or the conversion of the S-Bahn network from previous safety technology to the new train control system (ZBS), are considered renovation projects. As time-consuming as some of these major projects are, they always bring additional added value in increasing comfort and safety, as well as reducing technical problems at the track and signal system.

How long does it take? Largescale projects extend over several years, especially in the midst of train service.

Pruning

For trains to travel obstacle-free, pruning is regularly carried out along the tracks. Because this type of work is noisy and dangerous, it can only be done during the day and outside of the nesting season.

In the past, the pruning began in the middle of the tracks with a U-cut; however, due to the increasingly frequent and stronger storms, a V-cut will be adopted in the future, ensuring that fewer trees fall into the tracks.

How long does it take? Depending on the track section length, 6 to 8 hours are usually planned. Pruning is generally carried out with other construction projects.

Nature conservation

Nature conservation plays a significant role in how the S-Bahn operates. Construction work during the breeding and rearing period of birds requires special consideration when working in green areas.

Additionally, the protection of animal spawning must be considered when working over bodies of water. For example, when carrying out construction or maintenance on a bridge, dust and dirt are prevented from entering the water through a bridge enclosure.

During this time, train service is halted. During the planning-phase of major construction projects, we also check whether the relocation of animals, such as birds, lizards, bats, or insects is necessary; this can often lead to construction postponement.

Eco-friendly S-Bahn

Cleanliness

Two graffiti teams work in the S-Bahn network removing an average of 10,000 square meters of graffiti and approximately 8,000 stickers each month. Train service is rescheduled when graffiti teams need to enter the tracks.

How long does it take? Track closures for the removal of graffiti usually take place at night are carried out parallel to other construction projects in the affected area. Graffiti removal takes about 6 to 8 hours.

Graffiti removal

Total track closures versus service breaks

Although a track closure for passengers brings more inconvenience than several service breaks, it is not always avoidable.

The decision for or against a total track closure depends on the upcoming work. Track replacement and rail welding cannot be completed in several short window periods of time; thereby, this type of work requires a total track closure. For major projects, construction information meetings are held with nearby residents to discuss suggestions on how to minimize burdens such as noise and replacement bus service.

When the train control system (ZBS) was first introduced to the S-Bahn, for example, a total track closure on various sections was planned. After holding an information meeting, it was decided that the construction work for the ZBS was only to be carried out on weekends and during service breaks.

Carrying out several construction projects in the same time frame

When planning large projects, 5-10 years are automatically calculated in the timeline. Construction project managers report their respective needs and requirements so they can be planned in with other projects in the area.

For example: When the construction for the noise barrier was to be carried out in Pankow, pigeon net installation, rail switch work, and reconstruction of the S-Bahn station entrance were planned in during the same period.