Barrier-free upgrade in Darmstadt-Bessungen completed four weeks ahead of schedule – new raised curbs, greened waiting areas and modernized tracks
The modernization of the "Goethestraße" tram stop in Darmstadt-Bessungen is complete. As part of the "Infrastructure Renewal along Line 3" (IGEL3) project, HEAG mobilo has comprehensively renovated the stop and made it accessible for people with disabilities. Construction work was completed at the end of October 2026, approximately four weeks ahead of schedule.
The renovation not only made the station more modern and comfortable, but also improved accessibility for people with reduced mobility. At the same time, parts of the track and overhead line infrastructure were renewed.
New raised edges make getting in easier
A key innovation is the raised platform edges, now 25 centimeters high. These raised platforms are being used at this height for the first time by HEAG mobilo and are intended to make boarding and alighting easier, especially for passengers with reduced mobility.
In addition, new waiting areas with green roofs and splash guards were created. A tactile guidance system assists visually impaired people with orientation.
The options for combining different modes of transport have also been improved. Additional bicycle racks and a parking space for e-scooters are now available at the stop.
“These improvements will benefit not only our passengers, but the entire district. The stop is now more modern, more comfortable and easier to use for everyone,” explains HEAG mobilo Managing Director Arne Rath.
Tracks and overhead contact line system modernized
In addition to the redesign of the stop, the tram tracks were renewed and the overhead line system was modernized over a length of approximately 60 meters.
HEAG mobilo attributes the fact that the work could be completed significantly faster than planned to the good cooperation of all parties involved.
“The fact that the construction site was completed almost four weeks ahead of schedule shows how well the cooperation of all parties involved worked,” says HEAG mobilo Managing Director Johannes Gregor.
He especially thanks the residents and business owners for their patience during the construction phase and the constructive exchange.
“We think the bus stop is really well done,” said Gregor.
IGEL3: Further construction work planned in Bessungen
With the completion of the Goethestraße stop, another section of the IGEL3 infrastructure project has been finished. However, work on the fundamental renewal of the Line 3 tram route will continue.
The next construction phase involves the renovation of Moosbergstraße between Ludwigshöhstraße and Kiesbergstraße. During the later main construction work, this section of road will be used for some of the replacement traffic.
Darmstadt's transport commissioner Paul Georg Wandrey sees the early completion of the work on Goethestraße as a positive signal for the further course of the project.
“The fact that HEAG mobilo has completed the construction work at the ‘Goethestraße’ stop earlier than planned shows that IGEL3 is progressing well and that the people of Bessungen can look forward to modern transport infrastructure,” explains Wandrey.
Further stops and route sections are planned
The infrastructure is also to be modernized at other points along Line 3.
The barrier-free expansion of the "Heinrichstraße" stop and the reconstruction of the section of track between the "Freiberger Platz" and "Orangerie" stops are currently in the planning approval process.
With IGEL3, the science city of Darmstadt and HEAG mobilo are pursuing the goal of renewing the tram infrastructure in the long term and improving the conditions for barrier-free and reliable public transport.
Further information
Project: Infrastructure renewal along line 3 (IGEL3)
Completed project: Barrier-free upgrade of the Goethestraße bus stop in Darmstadt-Bessungen
Completion: End of October 2026, approximately four weeks earlier than planned.
Next measure: Renewal of Moosbergstraße between Ludwigshöhstraße and Kiesbergstraße
(DARMSTADT – RED/HEAG MOBILO)
