Huge construction work underway for installing tramway tracks at the railway station
The city of Basel is set to undergo a significant transit infrastructure project, as the Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BSAG) prepares for a major renovation of the tram tracks. The project, scheduled to start on June 22, 2023, is expected to last for eleven weeks.
During this period, passengers heading to the university and Schwachhausen will need to switch to bus replacement services (S 71 and S72) during the weekends. Lines 1, 4, and 10 will be rerouted from the station via Domsheide during these weekends, with some stops omitted or served in one direction only.
The renovation will cost the BSAG 4.5 million euros. During these weekends, the old rails on the post office side will be removed and replaced with new ones. To make it easier for passengers to get on and off in the future, the bus stops will be modernized during these days.
The construction work is divided into two phases. The first phase will last from June 22 to July 26, and the second phase will last from July 29 to September 10. During the second phase, all trains will run via Domsheide, with bus replacement services to the main station, for two weekends: August 11-14 and August 18-21.
To safely conduct track work, tram power supply will be shut down during certain weekends or nights, often called "power weekends," halting tram operation and requiring alternative transport arrangements. There will be two "power weekends" during the first phase where the tram lines will have to be rerouted, and the station stops will also be relocated.
During these power weekends, passengers are advised to check the official BSAG announcements or their website for updates on bus replacements and timetable changes. Line 6 will operate in a loop: From the airport via Brill to the main station and back via Domsheide and Wilhelm Kaisen Bridge, while Line 8 will not operate at all.
Around 100 workers will work in shifts at the construction site from July 7 to 9 and from July 14 to 16, working around the clock. The Gustav-Deetjen-Tunnel will be closed to drivers during the entire first construction phase, but pedestrians and cyclists can still use it. The street "An der Weide" will be closed on one side in the direction of the main station during the construction work.
Upon completion, the new tracks at the station will be quieter due to the use of "duraelastically cast rails" and more durable due to the installation of dark concrete instead of the previous asphalt surface. The renovation is a crucial step towards modernizing Basel's transit infrastructure, ensuring smoother and more reliable service for passengers in the future.
For exact details on the BSAG tram track renovation project, including affected bus routes, scheduled power weekends, and precise timetable changes, it is best to consult official BSAG announcements or their website, Basel public transport information channels, or local news sources covering transport updates in Basel.
- The renovation of the tram tracks in Basel, expected to cost 4.5 million euros, will also include modernizing bus stops to enhance passenger convenience during transportation.
- To ensure the safety of passengers and workers during the tram track renovation project, certain weekends and nights will be designated as "power weekends," halting tram operation and necessitating the use of bus replacement services.
