Dresden, 21 August 2020 – The regional planning assessment was today presented to DB Netz AG in front of the media at the administrative district office in Sonnenstein Castle. This marked the completion of the regional planning procedure, the results of which can be viewed on the website of the State Directorate of Saxony.
What happens next?
DB Netz AG can now enter the preliminary design phase. The aim is to develop an optimal route option that achieves the project objectives and to refer it to parliament for approval in 2024. For this purpose, several options (including all-tunnel routes and routes that run partially above ground) located within the recommended corridors will be worked on (see map). In the next few years, the dialogue forum will also produce a catalogue of criteria to support DB Netz AG in its decision-making processes. Protecting the environment and conservation issues will of course play a major role, as will ensuring the required quality of rail operations.
Schüßler-Plan Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH in Dresden has already been awarded a contract to design the connection with the existing railway line near Heidenau. For the cross-border section, which includes a cross-border tunnel, the invitation to tender for design services will be published in the week commencing 24 August 2020. Design work is then due to commence in the first quarter of 2021.
