German Unity Transport Project 8

Plans for the new Ebensfeld-Erfurt line

A number of different primary and subsidiary alternative routes have been examined and assessed in the appraisal process based on operational, ecological, engineering and cost-efficiency aspects. 

Taking into account the land-use planning objectives and environmental consequences, the free states of Thuringia and Bavaria decided in a regional planning process in 1992/93 in favour of the shortest route from Erfurt to Ebensfeld, crossing the Thuringian Forest at its narrowest point. The new line joins the Bamberg-Nuremberg line (to be upgraded in terms of both quality and capacity) at Ebensfeld.

In June 1994 the Federal Minister for Transport approved the route for the new line and the routes for the associated power lines for the traction current. For the purpose of obtaining planning permission, the entire line was subdivided into 10 planning approval sections, on which the Federal Railway Authority (EBA) made planning approval decisions between 1994 and 1997.

The general public were included in the planning process right from the outset. In over 100 cities, towns and communities, over 1,000 consultations took place with technical and local authorities, associations, federations and members of parliament. In addition, public meetings, information trips, exhibitions and so on have been and continue to be organised in order to keep the public informed about how the planning process and construction are progressing.