ARGE U5 Hamburg Lot 1 and Lot 2

Mobility turnaround in Hamburg: Civil engineering for the U5 subway line

In a consortium with Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau AG, ZÜBLIN is realizing the two lots of the first construction phase: state-of-the-art tunnel construction methods, digital planning with BIM and sustainable solutions.

ZÜBLIN civil engineering for the U5 underground line in Hamburg

The new U5 subway line is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Germany and a milestone for the mobility transition in Hamburg. ZÜBLIN is contributing its extensive expertise in civil engineering and tunnel construction to implement this technically demanding project together with Wayss & Freytag. The focus is on innovative construction methods, sustainable solutions and maximum precision - all under complex inner-city conditions.

Project scope and significance

The U5 will be Hamburg's first fully automatic subway line and will connect districts such as Bramfeld and Steilshoop as well as important locations such as the arenas in the west over a distance of around 29 kilometers. A total of 24 new stops are being built, which will transport more than 315,000 passengers a day with zero emissions. This makes the U5 not just a transportation project, but a key to Hamburg's climate-friendly mobility of the future. In the first construction phase, ARGE rundum ZÜBLIN is securing the realization of lots one and two.

Our order: Lot 1 and lot 2 in the first construction phase

Together with our consortium partners, ZÜBLIN is responsible for the realization of the two lots of the first construction section of the new U5. This section forms the foundation for Hamburg's most modern subway line and includes central engineering and infrastructure measures that will significantly shape the further expansion of the line.

The first section of the new line covers around six kilometers and connects the districts of Bramfeld, Steilshoop, Barmbek Nord, Ohlsdorf Süd, Alsterdorf and Winterhude (City Nord) to the future U5 subway line with four new stops and a transfer stop.

Lot 1: From City Nord to Sengelmannstraße

For this section, the necessary tunnel sections, the City Nord stop and the Sydneystraße emergency exit are being built within diaphragm wall construction pits using the cut-and-cover method. In addition, the existing above-ground U1 station "Sengelmannstraße" will be upgraded, converted and connected to the U5 line during ongoing operations to enable platform-level transfers between U1 and U5. At the transition to lot 2, a complex overpass structure will be built to allow the U1 and U5 lines to cross without intersections.

Lot 2: From Sengelmannstraße to Bramfeld:

In this construction phase, a tunnel around four kilometers long is being built, which will be excavated by machine using a tunnel boring machine. At the same time, the new Barmbek Nord, Steilshoop and Bramfeld stops are being built using the cut-and-cover method. The section thus comprises three stations as well as a continuous double-track tunnel tube and five emergency exits for evacuating the future subway tunnel.

In order to minimize surface pollution and maintain inner-city traffic, the complex excavation pits are being built using the diaphragm wall cover construction method.

Digital planning and BIM

ZÜBLIN relies on Building Information Modeling (BIM) to coordinate the numerous interfaces. Digital planning enables precise collision checks, optimized construction processes and transparent communication between all project participants. This makes the complexity of the project manageable and ensures quality.

Sustainability in civil engineering

A key objective is to reduce CO₂ emissions. By using CO₂-reduced concrete, optimized logistics and a greenhouse gas roadmap, emissions are to be reduced by up to 70% compared to conventional construction methods. Together with HOCHBAHN U5 Projekt GmbH, we are thus setting new standards for environmentally friendly construction in the infrastructure sector.

Logistics and security

The work is being carried out during ongoing city operations, which requires precise construction planning and extensive safety measures. ZÜBLIN relies on state-of-the-art monitoring systems for excavation pits and tunnel driving to ensure maximum safety for residents and road users at all times.

Milestone for mobility

The U5 is not just a new subway line, but a symbol of sustainable infrastructure. With its engineering expertise at the highest technical level, ZÜBLIN is making a decisive contribution to the realization of this project.