THREE options have been revealed for the planned extension to the 4.5km Siemensbahn S-Bahn branch line to Hakenfelde in Berlin, which is due to be reactivated by the end of 2029.

The Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB) says the scheme is one of the most important routes in the i2030 infrastructure programme, produced by the states of Berlin, Brandenburg, VBB and German Rail (DB), which seeks to expand the network in the area.

The existing branch will operate from Jungfernheide on the S-Bahn Ring Line via stations at Wernerwerk and Siemensstadt to Gartenfeld. From there a planned extension will continue west, with three options revealed. All would have stations at Wasserstadt Oberhavel and Hakenfelde and would connect with the Bötzowbahn (Falkenhagener Feld/Hakenfelde). The extension would open in the mid-2030s.

VBB says the three options are all technically feasible, although the two southern routes run underground with bore tunnels and are expected to be more expensive.

Under the proposals, there would be up to 10km of new track laid, new signalling installed from Jungfernheide station, construction of a third platform at Jungfernheide to connect the Siemensbahn to the S-Bahn Ring Line and reconstruction of one 70m-long bridge across the River Spree. At least two more 150m-long bridges will also need to be constructed.

When operation begins, the S-Bahn will operate along the route of the Siemensbahn, which closed in 1980. VBB says the benefits include creating a fast connection from the €600m Siemensstadt 2.0 technology park to the Berlin-Brandenburg Airport and a service to the growing Gartenfeld residential area.

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