Magdeburg`s tram heartbeat renewed
Hasselbachplatz – or simply “der Hassel“ – is more than just a transportation hub. As the heart of the city on the Elbe, Hasselbach square beats around the clock, seven days a week. Trams, buses, traders, restaurateurs and visitors ensure movement, diversity and a lively neighbourhood vibe. By Kay Klöcker
In 2024, after 28 years of continuous use, it was time for a fundamental overhaul: Hasselbachplatz tram track junction was modernized with the objective of sustainably securing the infrastructure, improving operations and reliably ensuring the high traffic flow of up to 66 trams per hour for the long term. To keep the square and the connecting roads as accessible as possible, refurbishment took place in two construction phases. Despite necessary closures and diversions, trams remained in operation throughout – with some route changes.
Extensive modernisation
Modernisation work encompassed the entire full grand union, the point-control technology, catenary wires and surfaces. New rail lubrication equipment was also used, ensuring quieter rail operations. Sewer reconstruction by Magdeburg’s municipal utilities (SWM) was also integrated – yielding improvements beyond the tracks.
Modern control technology for safe operations
The customer chose HANNING & KAHL HCS components to record registrations and vehicle ID numbers, supplemented by vehicle detection for control and processing of routes. Track topology and position and arrangement of the track elements were not to be changed in order to keep all previous routes and travel connections.
Hasselbachplatz itself offered very limited space for cabinet superstructures. The complex track layout – with twelve safe segments, parallel and follow-on situations as well as twelve point machines to be controlled – resulted in a hardware configuration with an impressive six HVIP controllers to be accommodated.
The solution was to move the control technology underground to a bunker underneath the square. All the racks of the signalling installation are installed in a central bunker (6 m × 2 m × 2 m, L×W×H). From here, the point heater controller and all cables spread out in a star shape. Access is via a small, hydraulically-controlled cover – not for people with claustrophobia, but a paradise for technicians. As Hasselbachplatz is not visible from the bunker, a track diagram stage in the bunker provides rapid overview. For more complex operating situations there is also an above-ground workstation with direct view of the equipment which can be connected as required.
At the heart of the controller are six HVIP units which via an intelligent network allocate their tasks within the control logic: some administer and regulate the safe segments, others control point machines or signals. Safety-related processes thus remain in the HVIP controllers, which meet safety integrity level SIL 4 requirements.
The HANNING & KAHL Logic Unit (HLU) in the HLUmulti version is used for non-safety-relevant (standard) functions. This version also has a modem and extended diagnostic service which makes the equipment ConnAct® capable. This is a decisive advantage for users: you have full control of the equipment at all times – per visualisation and remote access. Events are automatically stored and can be displayed again in the facility image for error analysis and evaluation. This means that service assignments can be prepared in a purposeful manner and planned efficiently.
With the renewal of the track crossing, Hasselbachplatz is ideally prepared for the future – with state-of-the-art technology and best equipped to remain the centerpiece of Magdeburg‘s light rail transport for decades to come.