Potential collapse threat at Wilmersdorf BVG plant, posing safety concerns for locals.
Here's a fresh spin on the article:
The Cicerostraße Bus Garage Closure:
Where the wheels have stopped spinning
The Cicerostraße bus garage in Wilmersdorf, right near the Kurfürstendamm, has been a significant hub for urban bus lines such as M19, M29, M46, and M48. However, since late January, the central bus depot of the BVG has been under serious restrictions due to the risk of the hall's collapse. The 500-meter-close militant structure, primarily a service and workshop hall for 250 buses, built in the late 1950s, is made of prestressed concrete and carries the risk of failure due to stress corrosion cracking, as per a recent tender by the Berlin Transport Authority.
The southern part of the hall, known as the "central building of the bus terminal," has been shut down since the analysis handed over on January 27. A total reconstruction is being considered due to the building's already exhausted lifespan. The estimated cost for a new building stands at 66 million euros.
The garage, home to 208 buses, is set for a "permanent and long-term" renewal, keeping in mind the upcoming electric bus generation. Construction of the new maintenance workshop is scheduled to begin in October 2026, with operational readiness expected a year later. The Service hall is expected to become operational by October 2028, following which the new parking spaces will follow in June 2029.
The success of this endeavor hinges upon the smooth progress in awarding contracts, planning & construction services, and the approvals from external bodies like the waterworks and the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf District Office. Sadly, the 66 million euros for the new building are being considered in the midst of Berlin's Senate Administration's stringent austerity measures. The investment funds available for local transport infrastructure have been halved, making the investment costs a significant concern.
The Cicerostraße bus garage holds a rich history, initially opening as a streetcar garage in 1899. However, it was seized by the Wehrmacht at the beginning of World War II and was destroyed by bombs in 1943. After serving as allotment gardens, the current garage was opened in its place on June 1, 1958.
The closure of the Cicerostraße bus garage, a crucial point in the urban transportation sector, has led to financial implications for the industry, as the estimated cost for the new building stands at an unprecedented 66 million euros. This development comes at a time when the Berlin Finance Authority is implementing austerity measures, raising concerns about the impact on the city's transport infrastructure. The new construction, catering to the electric bus generation, is part of a larger plan for the renewal of the garage, signifying changes in the finance and transportation sectors.
