Construction project in Jena-Nord: Complete new construction of the track system necessary

Jan 29, 2024, 1:19:35 PM | Jenaer Nahverkehr I JES | Aktuelles, Pressemitteilungen | Bahn | Bus | JES
Rail replacement service to Zwätzen expected until April 2024

As things stand at present, the construction work on the rail network in Jena-Nord is expected to last until April 2024. Due to unforeseen difficulties in the existing substructure of the dismantled track system, unfavorable weather conditions and material shortages, it is necessary to continue the rail replacement service until this date.

Since October last year, it has not been possible to operate the tram service on the section of lines 1 and 4 between the Altenburger Straäe and Zwätzen stops. To ensure that passengers still have a good connection, Jena's local transport service has set up a replacement bus service (SEV line E).

Why could the construction work not be carried out according to plan?

The original plan was to reconstruct the track system between the Altenburger Strasse stop and the junction of Camburger Strasse and Naumburger Strasse and to build a new Stifterstrasse stop. At the same time, the worn catenary system was to be renewed.

First, the catenary system was dismantled and the remaining catenary secured. The old, worn track was then removed and the track ballast taken up. Unusual ground conditions were encountered in the process: There was a layer of asphalt under the track ballast over a section of around 600 meters. In addition, paving stones and an old drainage system made of clay stones were found. This led to an interruption in the construction work. The planned construction of the track system was not feasible under these conditions. Further soil investigations were carried out in order to plan the further construction process. The results showed that a completely new track substructure was required. This also includes a new execution plan including a new timeline. Work was resumed on Monday, January 29. Meanwhile, work on the overhead contact line system continued.

What does this mean for passengers and rail replacement services?

During the construction work, the tram lines 1 and 4 will start and end at the Altenburger Straße stop. There you have the option of changing to the SEV. Every day between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m., journeys on lines 1 and 4 start and end at the Nordschule stop to ensure connections to the SEV.

The SEV serves all regular stops, except for the Stifterstraße stop in the direction of Zwätzen. This also applies to the JES regional bus lines 420, 422, 426 and 431.

The journeys on bus route 42 will be integrated into the SEV. Instead of the Erich-Kuithan-Stra&l;e stop, passengers are asked to use the Löbstedt stop as an alternative.

The JES regional bus lines will continue to serve the stops as far as this is possible due to the construction activities in the district. To ensure connections between the rail replacement service and the call-and-collect cab services on line 43 (Laasan - Zwätzen), the AST will depart up to 5 minutes earlier or later.

Further information and timetables are also available here and can be viewed in all known route planners and in the MeinJena app.

Jenaer Nahverkehr would like to thank all passengers for their understanding during the construction work and will be happy to answer any questions.