An amount of 12.2 billion euros will be invested by Deutsche Bahn (DB) in the modernisation of its infrastructure this year. This record amount will be allocated to the start of 18 new projects and the continuation of 46 ongoing projects. The works will be completed on 11 construction sites. Among the latter is the MegaHub Lehrte intermodal terminal in the vicinity of Hannover.

DB launched the MegaHub Lehrte project seven years ago when the preliminary works started on the site of the former marshalling yard in Lehrte. In May 2018 there was the groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming construction works. By the end of 2019, the terminal was mainly completed. Currently, DB is finishing some minor works on the area and is carrying out test operations.

The MegaHub Lehrte intermodal terminal, situated 20 kilometres east of Hanover, will become an important junction for the northwest part of Germany. It will be connected to Hamburg, Berlin, Braunschweig, Hildesheim and, of course, Hannover with regular train services. The proximity to the motorway network will provide opportunities for combined transport.

Automatic sorting

The MegaHub Lehrte terminal has six transshipment tracks. Each is around 700 meters long and is equipped with a high-performance gantry crane. They will be able to transship freight between the wagons and from wagons to lorries. The new intermodal facility has one important feature: a new fully automatic sorting system with twelve self-propelled battery-powered transport vehicles instead of the conventional shunting locomotives. The latter facilitates the loading operations.

Within the project, Deutsche Bahn pays special attention to noise pollution. On one hand, railway company will use a new automatic sorting system that is quieter and more efficient. On the other hand, DB installed soundproof windows in the nearby residential buildings where the prescribed noise limits are exceeded.

Are you interested to know more about the infrastructure investments of Deutsche Bahn? To this end, ProMedia will carry out RailTech Infra Forum 2020 to take place in Frankfurt on 16-18 June. The programme is available on the event website.