Deutsche Bahn delays ICE services on Hamburg‑Berlin line and announces summer track closure

Deutsche Bahn said that after the Hamburg–Berlin line reopened, ICE and other high‑speed trains will run 5‑10 minutes slower in June because the LZB train‑protection system at two modernised control centers has not yet passed final testing. The company will temporarily rely on the older PZB system, which limits speeds to 160 km/h, and will adjust the timetable accordingly.

The railway operator also announced a major summer construction period. From 14 July to 20 August all train traffic between Hamburg Hauptbahnhof and Altona will be suspended. Replacement buses will serve S‑Bahn lines S2, S5 and S7 between Altona and Sternschanze. The works include renewing three key bridges and building a new through station at Altona, with the new hub expected to open in 2029.