The Köpenick rail station renovation project in southeast Berlin was awarded to Strabag rail in 2022 and work begu in 2023 for regional railway operations in Germany. The new station is part of a project to upgrade the west-east corridor. It starts from Berlin to the Polish border near Frankfurt. Thus, it will be an important part of Berlin’s transportation concept.

The €154 million project adds regional train platforms, modernizes infrastructure, and enhances connections to the Berlin-Frankfurt

Strabag Rail is working on comprehensive corridor modernization with Strabag, Strabag Fahrleitungen, and ZÜBLIN Stahlbau.

The contract also includes the renewal of around 3km of track, which will mostly run parallel to the S-Bahn line. A passing loop, as well as two new regional rail tracks, will improve connectivity between Berlin’s outer ring and the west-east corridor. Germany is also expanding other rail infrastructure such as the DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung maintenance depot expansion in Cottbus which when completed will be the largest in Germany.

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Other projects in the Köpenick rail station contract

The project also includes the construction of a nearly 220m-long regional service platform. The platform will have three new entrances, two of which are barrier-free. Furthermore, the works include the renewal and modernization of five railway bridges. This is as well as the construction of supporting structures, and the installation of 18,000m2 of noise barriers. The noise barriers will be put along a length of approximately 4km, in addition to upgrades to the overhead lines.

The new railway line, which is expected to open in 2027, will reduce travel time between the cities of Magdeburg, Potsdam, Berlin, and Frankfurt (Oder) by letting trains travel at speeds of up to 160 km/h. “The upgrade of Köpenick rail station is not only important for Berlin’s transport concept but also creates a better rail connection to Eastern Europe, further laying the foundation for a modern, fast, trans-European rail network,” said Strabag CEO Thomas Birtel. “We are delighted that DB Netz AG has renewed its confidence in our railway construction expertise.”

Project factsheet

Project: Köpenick rail station renovation and regional rail upgrade project

Location: Berlin – Köpenick district

Project owner: DB Netz AG

Main contractor: STRABAG Rail

Supporting contractors: STRABAG AG, STRABAG Fahrleitungen, ZÜBLIN Stahlbau

Project value: Approximately €154m

Project type: Rail station modernization and regional rail expansion

Main objective: Conversion of Köpenick S-Bahn station into a regional rail station integrated into the Berlin–Frankfurt (Oder) corridor

Construction start: Spring 2023

Expected completion: 2027

Key infrastructure works:

• Construction of a new 220m-long regional rail platform
• Addition of two new regional rail tracks
• Installation of a passing loop
• Renewal of approximately 3km of railway track
• Modernisation of overhead line systems
• Reconstruction and upgrade of five railway bridges
• Construction of approximately 18,000m² of noise barriers
• Barrier-free access improvements including lifts and new station entrances

Operational target:

• Regional train speeds of up to 160 km/h
• Improved connectivity between Berlin, Potsdam, Magdeburg and Frankfurt (Oder)

Strategic importance:

• Part of the modernization of the Berlin–Poland west-east rail corridor
• Intended to improve regional rail capacity in southeast Berlin
• Supports transport access linked to wider urban development in Köpenick