Train and road traffic in Erfurt severely restricted for weeks - Erfurt Central Station overpass gets urgent beam replacement this month

A major support beam at Erfurt Central Station will be replaced starting later this month. The 38-metre-long, 13-metre-wide structure forms part of the railway overpass beneath tracks 9 and 10. Authorities are acting now to prevent risks from potential stress corrosion cracking.

Work will begin on 30 July, when tracks 9 and 10 close. Partial road restrictions near the Schmidstedter Knoten follow from 3 August, with a full road closure in place from 10 August. Both rail and road traffic will face temporary disruptions during the project.

Construction is expected to last about eight weeks, but associated closures will stretch to roughly twelve weeks. Rail services should return by late September, though road restrictions may remain until the end of October. Motorists will need to follow signed diversions, while train passengers should check for altered schedules, rerouted services, and possible cancellations.

Full restoration of normal road conditions at the Schmidstedter Knoten will take an additional two to four weeks after construction ends. This period covers final testing and regulatory approvals before all lanes reopen.

The replacement aims to ensure long-term safety for both rail and road users. Once complete, the new beam will support the overpass structure for years to come. Commuters and drivers are advised to plan extra time for journeys throughout the works.