Mainz's Hechtsheim tram line shuts down for months of major upgrades

Mainz's tram line to Hechtsheim will close for months this summer as major renovation work begins. The upgrades will modernise tracks, stops, and overhead lines, some of which are over 40 years old. During the closure, a replacement bus service will keep passengers moving, though further disruptions are expected in early 2026 due to a planned strike.

The shutdown starts at the beginning of the summer holidays, with no trams running from Oberstadt to Hechtsheim until autumn. Work will focus on replacing worn-out infrastructure, including tracks, switches, and overhead lines between Mühldreieck and Dornsheimer Weg, as well as from Berliner Straße to Jägerhaus.

Several stops along the route—between Pariser Tor and Bürgerhaus Hechtsheim—will also be upgraded. Platforms will be extended to 45 metres to fit longer trams and raised to allow step-free boarding. The renovated stops will include tactile paving for visually impaired passengers, new shelters, digital display boards, and updated trash bins.

While construction is underway, a replacement bus service will operate. The exact departure point is still under discussion, but current plans suggest buses may start from the Am Gautor stop. However, another disruption is already on the horizon: a strike from Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 22:00 until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 04:00 will halt tram services again, including the Hechtsheim line.

The months-long closure aims to bring the tram line up to modern standards, improving accessibility and reliability. Once complete, the upgraded infrastructure will support longer trams and smoother journeys. Passengers, however, will need to plan for alternative transport during both the summer works and the early 2026 stop.