Border crossing Poland: Poland – Frankfurt/Oder – Erkner

The dates shown are legally non-binding forecasts based on the current status. The forecasts are in no way intended to establish any kind of legal claim whatsoever that completion will take place by the specified date and that use will be possible. For these reasons, the information should also not be used to make or prepare business decisions, for example, but not conclusively, with regard to the vehicle equipment or the compatibility between the vehicles and the infrastructure. If you have any questions, particularly regarding technical network access or obtaining binding information, please contact your customer advisor.

Most of the infrastructure projects are still in the planning phase, which means that the information provided on these pages reflects the current planning status and is updated regularly.

AsAs a link between the German-Polish border and the Berlin metropolitan region, routes 6153 and 6155 together form a key axis for both European rail freight and long-distance passenger transport. The significance of this corridor for international transit traffic is highlighted by the fact that the North Sea–Baltic Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) corridor runs along these lines. This corridor connects the North Sea, through Germany and Poland, with the Baltic States and the Sea of Azov.

This project aims to improve the quality of the border connection route between Frankfurt Oderbrücke and Erkner by equipping it with the European Train Control System (ETCS). The measure supports the European goal of establishing interoperability along the TEN-T corridors, particularly between border crossings and important stops. In combination with the Erkner – Seddin and Berlin outer ring gap closure projects, this lays the foundation for extensive interoperability of control and safety technology in rail transport.

As part of the European Deployment Plan (EDP), this scheme is a project of Digitale Schiene Deutschland. The goal is to equip the entire route with ETCS Level 2 with signals (ETCS L2mS). Since the German train control system "Punktförmige Zugbeeinflussung" (PZB) will continue to operate in parallel with the new signals, trains not fitted with ETCS will also be able to use the route. The line is planned for speeds of up to 160 km/h between Berlin Stadtforst and Frankfurt/Oder, and up to 100 km/h from Frankfurt/Oder to the Polish border.

The necessary technical basis for the ETCS equipment is provided exclusively by modern interlockings. Therefore, some of the existing interlockings must first be converted. In Frankfurt/Oder passenger station, a relay interlocking is still in operation and will be replaced by a new interlocking. In addition, all ESTW outdoor system of the ESTW sub-center Fürstenwalde must be replaced by new interlockings, as the Simis C interlockings from the manufacturer Siemens are not ETCS-capable. This also applies to the ESTW control center with on-site operation in Frankfurt Oderbrücke. With these adjustments, the interlocking hierarchy in the control areas of the interlockings to be replaced will also be restructured. On the other hand, the interlocking technology in the control area of the Erkner interlocking control center already meets the technical requirements for ETCS equipment.

The track can then be equipped with ETCS. For this purpose, balises are attached to the sleepers at regular intervals. In addition, two ETCS Radio Block Centres (RBC) will be set up, which will be connected to the interlockings via an interface. ETCS stop markers will be attached to the existing signalling screens to replace the conventional signals in ETCS operation. ETCS entry and exit points must be installed on the branch lines from Fürstenwalde to Bad Saarow and in Frankfurt/Oder. The same applies at the line ends in Erkner and at the border crossing to Poland. The ETCS entrances and exits there will remain in place temporarily until the neighbouring sections of line are also equipped with ETCS. 

This is a Deutsche Bahn project. We are building. So that people can build on us again. More information about the Bauende Bahn can be found here (in German only).