Wolfenbüttel: Mobility in Focus – Rail Replacement and Construction Measures in February 2026

Mobility in Wolfenbüttel: Major Construction and Rail Replacement Service

Mobility is a central factor for the quality of life and economic strength of a city. In February 2026, extensive construction work by the Stuttgart Straßenbahn (SSB) will begin in Wolfenbüttel, presenting both technological and logistical challenges. The work in the Feuerbach area involves tunnels, signaling systems, and stations and will result in a long-term rail replacement service. These measures are part of the long-term modernization of the tram network infrastructure and aim to improve barrier-free access and safety.

Construction Measures: Pragsattel Tunnel and Maybachstraße Signaling Center

Pragsattel Tunnel – Renewal and Safety

The Pragsattel tunnel, a central section of the tram network, will be fundamentally renewed over a length of 690 meters in the coming weeks. The work includes the installation of a new tunnel ventilation and dust extraction system, which is vital in the event of fires or malfunctions. In addition, the Maybachstraße signaling center will be modernized, with extensive work on signaling, track clearance systems, and power supply.

Overall, 77 kilometers of signal cable and 41 signals will be replaced, with the work carried out in several sections. Access to the construction site will be via the Tunnelstraße, and passenger operations at the Pragsattel stop will remain largely unaffected – a careful plan to minimize operational disruptions.

Barrier-Free and Modernization of Stops

Another focus of the measures is the renewal of platforms at several stops. The platform height at Feuerbach Bahnhof will be adjusted to +95 cm to enable barrier-free access to the tram. Tactile guidance strips and attention fields will also be renewed, as well as the canopy and lighting. These measures are part of the broader efforts to make local transport more accessible to all user groups.

Rail Replacement Service: Challenges and Solutions

SEV U6E – Extensive Replacement Solutions

Due to the construction work, a rail replacement service (SEV) between Pragsattel and Löwenmarkt will be established starting on March 2, 2026. Line U6E will replace the regular tram route and will be covered by several buses. Travel times will increase, bicycles cannot be taken on board, and there will be no on-board ticket sales – a significant limitation for commuters and passengers.

The bus frequency varies on different days: During school days, three buses operate between 6 and 20 hours, and two until 23 hours. On holiday and Saturday days, the frequency is further reduced. On weekends and public holidays, only one bus operates all day. This planning reflects the compromise between cost, capacity, and necessity.

Replacement Stops and Mobile Facilities

For the duration of the SEV, replacement stops will be set up, including at Pragsattel, Maybachstraße, Feuerbach Bahnhof, and Wilhelm-Geiger-Platz. A special measure is the provision of a mobile toilet at the Pragsattel stop, available for the entire period until April 13, 2026. This is a thoughtful detail that slightly alleviates the situation for commuters.

Impacts and Perspectives

The construction work and rail replacement service have several impacts: For commuters, this means an extension of travel times and mobility restrictions. For the city of Wolfenbüttel, however, this is necessary to secure the infrastructure in the long term and meet future requirements.

The modernization of the tram network is also a sign of the city's strategic direction: Investments in a powerful, barrier-free, and sustainable mobility infrastructure are essential for future viability. The work in Feuerbach marks a milestone on this path.

Outlook: What's next?

After the completion of the construction work in April 2026, regular operations will resume. The modernizations in the Pragsattel, Maybachstraße, and Feuerbach Bahnhof areas will have a positive long-term impact on passenger comfort and safety. Wolfenbüttel thus shows that it is possible to consider the everyday lives of citizens even during extensive construction work and to make forward-looking investments at the same time.