Jena, July 24, 2026 – The comprehensive infrastructure renewal in Jena continues to progress. At the Paradiesbahnhof, the renovation of the central tram line has reached a crucial phase: the first new tracks are currently being laid on the Paradiesbrücke.
- Location: Paradiesbrücke / Paradiesbahnhof, Jena
- Measure: Laying of new tracks and complete renovation of the tram line
- Project scope: Multi-million investment in Jena’s local public transport
- Goal: Increasing operational safety and accessibility at the public transport hub
Progress at the Paradiesbrücke: The new rails arrive
The Paradiesbrücke crosses the Saale and forms one of the most important arteries for public transport in Jena. After extensive preparatory work on the substructure and bridge structure was carried out in recent weeks, the construction material for the next section has now arrived. Special transports delivered the prefabricated track segments, which are being positioned and fixed on the bridge structure with precision work.
The relaying of the rails is part of an extensive investment program for the tram network of the city on the Saale. After decades of constant use by daily scheduled services, the old track systems showed significant signs of wear. Through the use of modern rail systems and noise-optimized insulation, the aim is not only to increase the longevity of the line but also to noticeably reduce noise pollution for residents and park visitors.
Significance for Jena’s entire local transport system
The line over the Paradiesbrücke connects densely populated districts such as Lobeda and Burgau with the city center and the north of Jena. Every day, thousands of commuters, pupils, and students use the tram lines that pass through this section. The connection to the city’s train stations is also of central importance for local traffic & mobility.
During the construction work, passengers and individual traffic must continue to expect restrictions and changed routes. However, those responsible for Jena’s local transport are working to keep the impairments to a minimum through a rapid scheduling of construction phases. The step-by-step completion of the track work on the bridge is considered a prerequisite for fully reopening regular tram operations on this main axis as soon as possible.
The Paradiesbahnhof major construction site in context
The track laying on the Paradiesbrücke does not stand in isolation but is embedded in a larger overall concept around the Paradiesbahnhof area. The stop is one of the most frequented transport hubs in Thuringia, where regional rail traffic from Deutsche Bahn is directly linked to the city’s bus and tram network.
With the renovation of the bridge line, the surrounding area is also being modernized step by step. In addition to traffic-related adjustments, the focus of urban planning is on improving accessibility, clearer passenger information, and upgrading pedestrian and cycle paths to the adjacent Paradiespark. The multi-million project thus secures the performance of Jena’s public transport for the coming decades.
Background: The Paradies transport hub
The Jena Paradies stop gained an outstanding position in the region’s local and long-distance transport with the redesign of the Thuringian railway line. Due to its direct proximity to the Volkspark Paradies and the Saale, daily commuter traffic, student life, and local recreation meet here.
The Paradiesbrücke itself is a bottleneck in the urban network. Since the Saale divides the city area of Jena from south to north, the river crossings are of strategic value for trams and buses. Maintenance and renovation work therefore always require complex logistics so as not to overload the diversion routes via the neighboring bridges in the city center.
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Million-euro project in Jena: First tracks for the Paradiesbrücke are being laid
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.