Bridge Remains Closed to Public Transport: Bürgermeister-Smidt-Brücke
Tomorrow, the much-awaited work on the Mayor-Smidt-Bridge is slated to finish, reopening it for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists from this Saturday. However, buses and trams of the BSAG and VBN regional traffic will still need to cross the Weser using the alternative transit services, which have been in effect since the bridge closure in November 2024.
Translation: All current lines and schedules will persist, including tram line 14 and bus lines 46 and 47. The additional bus line 45 between Huckelriede, Weserwehr, and Sebaldsbrück via the Karl-Carstens-Bridge will also continue its operation.
Modified VBN Regional Bus Services
Construction on the Stephanibrücke necessitates alterations to the routes of VBN regional buses serving Bremen. Beginning March 1, until at least April 4, 2025, these adjustments will be in effect:
- Regional bus lines 101, 102, 120, 226, and 750 will conclude at Gastfeldstraße during weekdays from around 7 am to 6 pm, deviating from the current detour schedule. Passengers bound for the city center and airport can switch to tram line 6 at this point. Outside these hours and on weekends, regional buses and night buses N12 and N26 will proceed via Stephanibrücke to the main station as usual.
- Line 121 will maintain its course via the "Strawberry Bridge" (Karl-Carstens-Bridge) to the main station. The stops on the route include Borgwardstraße (transfer to bus line 22 towards Arsten/Kattenturm), Habenhauser Brückenstraße (transfer to bus line 26 towards Neustadt), Stader Straße/Hamburger Straße (transfer to tram line 3 towards the city center), Bei den Drei Pfählen (transfer to tram lines 2 and 10 towards the city center/Sebaldsbrück), Klinikum Bremen-Mitte, and Hauptbahnhof. The stops between Bruchhauser Straße and Am Wall will not be reached.
The Hanseatic city intends to reassess the technical feasibility for bus traffic on the Mayor-Smidt-Bridge and conduct a scientifically supervised load test for tram operation in the near future to restore public transport across the Weser sides as soon as feasible.
Additional Information
The Bremer Straßenbahn AG (BSAG) oversees trams and local buses in Bremen, managing adjustments during construction projects like these.
The Bremen S-Bahn links Bremen with surrounding cities such as Bremerhaven, Delmenhorst, and Oldenburg. The Bremen-Lower Saxony Transport Association manages this network and might adjust routes based on construction needs.
The Bremen S-Bahn and the Bremer Straßenbahn AG (BSAG) are maintaining alternative routes due to the construction on the Mayor-Smidt-Bridge, affecting VBN regional bus services. For instance, regional bus lines 101, 102, 120, 226, and 750 are altering their routes and will terminate at Gastfeldstraße during weekdays from around 7 am to 6 pm, while line 121 will continue via the Karl-Carstens-Bridge to the main station. These adjustments are necessary as the sector of finance is contributing significantly towards the industry of public-transit transportation, ensuring smooth operations during infrastructure development.
