Following the bridge's collapse, calls for a replacement tram system arise in Treptow-Köpenick.
It's Full Steam Ahead for Trams in Treptow-Köpenick!
The SPD, Left, and Green factions in Treptow-Köpenick's district assembly (BVV) have joined forces to champion a bold move in urban transport—the redesign of the intersection at Treskowallee, Edisonstraße, Rummelsburger Straße, and An der Wuhlheide, with a heavy emphasis on trams, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly spaces. The old, dilapidated car bridge recently underwent a swift demolition, paving the way for a fresh start.
The trio's vision includes a brand-new tram line running along Rummelsburger Straße and Straße An der Wuhlheide, primed to enhance connectivity and access throughout Köpenick, Schoeneweide, and the former Rundfunkgelände in Nalepastraße. The line would branch off from Line 21 in Rummelsburg and meet Lines 27, 60, and 67 at the Freizeit- und Erholungszentrum FEZ.
A Bypass to Stadion An der Alten Försterei
This plan aims to provide a much-needed makeover to Köpenick's tram network, offering a second track connection to the rest of Berlin. Prior to the bridge's abrupt demolition, the crossing tram tracks were cut off from the southeast network, causing potential operational disruptions in Köpenick.
The Passenger Association IGEB applauded this innovative approach, acknowledging that it not only presents a refreshing change in Berlin's otherwise grim traffic policy but also offers a chance to create a fast direct connection to Köpenick and Ostkreuz using the new tram line. This bypass could take the strain off Line 21 in the Karlshorster Ehrlichstraße and provide an alternative route for the S-Bahn.
White Spots on the Transport Map
This proposed tram line will close some transport gaps on the Berlin map, with the approximately four kilometers of new track benefiting areas along the former Funkhaus Nalepastraße, where large real estate projects are underway. Oberschoeneweide, which borders Wuhlheide, is currently underserved by tram and bus routes, with stops situated up to one kilometer away.
Notably, IGEB suggests extending Bus Line 365 from Baumschulenweg S-Bahn to Köpenick S-Bahn, offering enhanced transport connections between An der Wuhlheide and Wilhelminenhofstraße.
Glimpses of the Future
Despite past resistance to similar plans, the current political momentum suggests a more receptive environment for advancing the tram line. Past concerns, such as increased traffic, construction disruptions, environmental impact, and balancing competing interests, remain valid factors. However, the district office is now advocating for the proposed tram track to be incorporated into the public transport demand plan and move into the planning stages.
Interestingly, as far back as 2011, the Greens themselves proposed an express tram X20 in this corridor, connecting Schoeneweide and the Spree area via Nalepastraße. This ambitious plan, unfortunately, did not materialize at the time due to various factors.
The successful demolition of the Wuhlheide bridge may well serve as the catalyst for this long-awaited urban transportation milestone. Only time will tell if this ambitious proposal gains traction and sends ripples across the Berlin landscape.
The SPD, Left, and Green factions' vision for the new tram line along Rummelsburger Straße and Straße An der Wuhlheide could potentially lead to increased collaboration between finance and transportation industries, as the project would require funding for its construction and maintenance.
The proposed tram line connecting Köpenick, Schoeneweide, and the former Rundfunkgelände in Nalepastraße is expected to improve the overall connectivity within the district, thereby increasing its attractiveness for potential investors in the real estate and finance industries.
