Night Lift Installs Second Elevator Shaft at Hamburg Saarlandstraße Station

30 Second Takeaway

During planned night-time service interruptions, heavy steel elevator shaft sections were installed with millimetre precision at Hamburg’s Saarlandstraße station, supporting the ongoing barrier-free redevelopment of the historic ÖPNV hub.

Saarlandstraße Station Barrier-Free Elevator Lift

During a carefully planned night-time interruption to operations, the steel framework for the second new elevator at Saarlandstraße station in Hamburg was lifted into place, requiring exceptional precision, coordination, and crane control.

The lift marks a major milestone in the station’s barrier-free expansion, following the successful commissioning of the first elevator on platform 2 in December 2025.

Precision Lifting Under Tight Time Windows

The lift operation was carried out over two consecutive nights, extending into the early morning hours. Multiple multi-tonne steel shaft sections were delivered to site by low-loader, erected using two cranes, and then inserted into the prepared construction opening with millimetre accuracy.

The work had to be completed entirely within the limited nightly operating window, making it one of the most technically demanding phases of the project to date.

Ongoing Construction During Live Operations

Since the beginning of 2024, construction teams have been working on the step-by-step barrier-free upgrade of Saarlandstraße station, largely while passenger operations continue.

In addition to the elevator installations, the project scope includes:

• Structural repairs to historic building fabric

• Renovation of the ticket hall

• Coordination of construction activity around live rail operations

Next Phases and Completion Timeline

In the coming months, work will progress to:

• Roof restoration

• Installation of technical systems

• Glazing of the elevator shaft

• Interior finishing and commissioning

The second elevator is scheduled to enter service in summer 2026, at which point Saarlandstraße station will be fully barrier-free.

Technical Skill Meets Accessibility Goals

The project demonstrates how careful planning, technical expertise, and teamwork can deliver complex infrastructure upgrades in constrained urban environments and how specialist lifting operations play a critical role in advancing accessible public transport.

About HOCHBAHN

Hamburger Hochbahn AG (HOCHBAHN) is one of Germany’s largest public transport operators, responsible for metro and bus services across Hamburg. The company plays a central role in the city’s mobility transition, investing in infrastructure modernisation, accessibility, and sustainable transport solutions.

Website: https://www.hochbahn.de/

About Krandienst Schulz

Krandienst Schulz GmbH & Co. KG is a German crane service provider specialising in precision lifting, urban crane operations, and infrastructure projects. The company supports complex construction and transport projects where accuracy, safety, and planning are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the lift carried out at night?

The operation took place during scheduled night-time service interruptions to avoid disrupting passenger traffic and to allow cranes to work safely within the rail corridor.

How heavy were the elevator shaft sections?

The individual steel sections weighed several tonnes and required coordinated lifting using two cranes.

When will the second elevator be operational?

The second elevator is expected to enter service in summer 2026.

What is the goal of the project?

The project aims to make Saarlandstraße station fully barrier-free, improving accessibility for all passengers.