New Infrastructure for the Capital of Culture 2025

The construction of Chemnitz-Kappel depot is directly related to the naming of Chemnitz as European Capital of Culture 2025. Under the motto “C the Unseen”, attention turns to the city's previously hidden treasures and the region. One central project of this program is the “Garage Campus” in Kappel – the conversion of the former CVAG depot into a new cultural hotspot. By Markus Bergmann

A new depot was built in the immediate vicinity to optimally integrate the Garage Campus into the urban tram network and to ensure on-site operations. The depot is directly on the tram line in the direction of Schönau, on Chemnitz tram museum premises, thus linking modern infrastructure and historical heritage.

Functional layout and special features

The new depot has five sidings. One special feature is the direct connection between the tram museum and the depot: the vintage vehicles can enter and exit via the depot, which efficiently combines museum with operational use.

Modern controller and technical equipment

The depot controller is divided into two control segments:

• Control segment 1 comprises the depot itself,
• Control segment 2 is used for entry and exit, route journeys and track changes on the line.

A point heater controller has also been installed for all points. Higher-level route management is performed via the BMS depot management system supplied by Verkehrsautomatisierung Berlin, which centrally controls and monitors all sequences.

Challenges in planning and implementation

The planning of the new depot is particularly challenging on account of the limited space available. Numerous dependencies and exclusions between the different routes as well as complex secured-route formations which entail changes in driving direction pose high requirements of technical implementation.

These challenges can be successfully mastered through precise coordination and state-of-the-art control technology. The new Chemnitz-Kappel depot will be a high-performance and future-oriented facility which connects the Garage Campus and sets an important signal for the sustainable development of the city within the context of the European Capital of Culture 2025.