Train and road traffic in Erfurt severely restricted for weeks - Erfurt's Schmidstedter Knoten faces weeks of road and rail chaos for urgent repairs

Major repair work at Erfurt's Schmidstedter Knoten will disrupt both road and rail traffic for weeks. Starting in late July, a 38-metre support beam at the busy transport hub will be replaced due to concerns over stress corrosion. The project is expected to take around eight weeks, with full reopening planned for mid-March 2026 after final checks.

The first phase begins on 30 July, when tracks 9 and 10 at Erfurt Central Station will close. From 3 August, partial closures of the road underpasses will start, followed by a full shutdown from 10 August. The affected beam, installed in 1976 and made of Hennigsdorf prestressed steel, will be completely removed and replaced with a new 13-metre-wide, 38-metre-long structure. Authorities stress that the work is essential to eliminate risks for both train and car users.

Disruptions will last around twelve weeks, with rail services expected to return by late September. However, road restrictions may continue until the end of October. Motorists will need to follow signed diversion routes, while rail passengers should check for schedule changes, cancellations, and replacement bus services.

The Schmidstedter Knoten is a key junction in Thuringia's capital, linking major transport routes. Once repairs are finished, a final five-day inspection will take place before the underpass fully reopens on 15 March 2026.

The project will cause significant delays for commuters and freight transport. Rail passengers are advised to plan extra time, while drivers should expect longer journeys until October. Once complete, the new beam will ensure safer travel for both road and rail users in the region.