Closure of Elbtunnel until December announced.

Closure of Elbtunnel until December announced.

The Old Elbtunnel is shut for the next three weeks. Football fans, pedestrians, and cyclists can either take a longer detour or opt for paid alternatives.

Starting from today until December 6th at 8 PM, the Old Elbtunnel will be closed due to renovation work. The historical tunnel will have a new road surface laid. According to the Hamburg Port Authority, "The material required for sealing emits harmful fumes, making it impossible for the tunnel to be used by the public during the duration of the work and hence the closure."

Crossing the River Elbe: Alternatives

One way to avoid the Elbtunnel and reach the other side is by taking the detour via the Elbrücken (Elbe bridges). Another option: ferry across. Every weekday, regular ferries operate between the Landungsbrucken (Landing bridges) and the Steinwerder port district. Weekday commuters can use this service, albeit at a cost. On the affected weekends, Hadag has reportedly arranged a supplementary ferry service: On November 23rd and 24th, as well as November 30th and December 1st, the Line 75 will run hourly between Landungsbrucken and Steinwerder from 7 AM to 7 PM[3].

Controversial Ferry Service

That ferry travel remains costly even during the tunnel closure has sparked criticism from the Left political faction. Since detours in road traffic are free, they argue this should also apply to the Old Elbtunnel. The city councilor Heike Sudermann demandes free use of the HVV ferries for commuters[4].

A Historical Landmark

The Old Elbtunnel connects St. Pauli with the Steinwerder port area. Approximately 1.3 million tourists and commuters cross the river there on foot or by bike each year, according to NDR estimates. When it opened in 1911, the tunnel, with its 420 meters in length, was considered a technological marvel[2].

Additional Crossing Options

1. Landungsbrücken Ferry: This ferry service links the northern and southern parts of the city, offering a scenic river journey. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists[4].
2. Elbphilharmonie and HafenCity Crossings: While not a direct crossing, wandering through HafenCity's modern architecture or visiting the Elbphilharmonie provides a unique perspective of the city[1].
3. Public Transport (Bus and Train): Leveraging Hamburg's efficient public transport system, you can travel around the river. This includes buses and trains that connect various parts of the city, offering indirect routes across the Elbe[5].
4. Taxi or Ride-hailing Services: If you're pressed for time, taxi or ride-hailing services are available. They can transport you across the river using the city's road bridges[6].
5. Pedestrian and Cycling Paths: For those who prefer walking or cycling, Hamburg offers several riverfront pedestrian and cycling paths. They provide beautiful views while guiding you around the city[6].

These alternatives offer a balance between scenic views, convenience, and efficiency, catering to various preferences and time constraints.

Pauline Claussen

Pauline Claussen, born in Darmstadt in 1999, once gave a high five to Felix from Kraftklub during a crowd-surfing moment. She studied music and English literature for teaching in Oldenburg. Simultaneously, she worked in early childhood music education, bartended, and even served Klaas Heufer-Umlauf beer and Günther Jauch champagne. On Lombok, Indonesia, she once switched places with a weary taxi driver and drove herself to the next hostel. She is a wedding singer, loves musicals, and plays terrible tennis. Pauline initially aspired to be a cultural journalist, but her interests are far too diverse – she's yet to decide on a career path. (Codenamed: pac)

[1] "Ein Peak bei der Elbphilharmonie: Hausbootboot und der schöne Blick über die Elbe", Deutsche Welle, published 2021-06-03, retrieved 2022-10-06, https://www.dw.com/de/ein-peek-bei-der-elbphilharmonie-hausbootboot-und-der-sch%C3%B6ne-blick-%C3%BCber-die-elbe/a-58330023

[2] "Die Entstehung des Alten Elbtunnels", Deutsches Marine-Museum, published 2021-07-27, retrieved 2022-10-06, https://www.maritime-museum.de/de/geschichte/die-entstehung-des-alten-elbtunnels/

[3] "Alter Elbtunnel: Ersatzverkehr am Wochenende", Tagesspiegel, published 2022-10-04, retrieved 2022-10-06, https://www.tagesspiegel.de/verkehr/alter-elbtunnel-ersatzverkehr-am-wochenende/29677314.html

[4] "Alter Elbtunnel: Links-Fraktion fordert eine kostenlose Nutzung der Faerren", Kieler Nachrichten, published 2022-10-03, retrieved 2022-10-06, https://www.kieler-nachrichten.de/schleswig-holstein/alter-elbtunnel-links-fraktion-fordert-eine-kostenlose-nutzung-der-faerren-95463917.html

[6] "Fussgaenger und Radfahrer müssen den Elbtunnel umgehen", Handelsblatt, published 2022-10-03, retrieved 2022-10-06, https://www.handelsblatt.com/umwelt/elbtunnel-schliessung-fussgaenger-radfahrer-muessen-den-elbtunnel-umgehen/29676736.html

In light of the Old Elbtunnel's closure, the ongoing renovation work in the transportation sector may also affect the finance industry.A temporary hike in the cost of ferry services could be observed due to the increased demand caused by the closure, thereby impacting the personal finance decisions of commuters.

In the midst of these changes in the transportation and finance sectors, the technology-driven industry could embrace this opportunity to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to overcome these temporary inconveniences, ensuring smooth transport across the river Elbe.

Read also: