1904
122 years ago
OpeningGermany
Opening of Berlin Hochbahn's First Elevated Line
Hochbahngesellschaft
Berlin
August 5, 1904
Summary
Berlin's first electric elevated railway segment opened, revolutionizing urban transit in the German capital.
Full Story
August 5, 1904 saw the ceremonial opening of the initial 6 km section of the Berlin Hochbahn between Warschauer Brücke and Zoologischer Garten. Designed by Swedish engineer Johann Wilhelm Schwedler, the steel viaduct used third-rail electrification at 750 V DC. Siemens & Halske supplied the motor cars that reached 50 km/h, carrying 100,000 passengers on opening day. The project alleviated street congestion in rapidly growing Berlin and became the backbone of today's U-Bahn network, influencing elevated rail designs worldwide.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- August 5, 1904
- Event Type
- Opening
- Country
- Germany
- Years Ago
- 122
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