Deutsche Bahn (DB) has launched the construction of a new cargo terminal at the freight transport center (GVZ) in the Augsburg region, with an investment of 83 million euros.
The new terminal will be directly connected to major roads and highways, enhancing the efficiency of combined transport between road and rail. DB, alongside federal and EU contributions, is funding the project, which will be capable of handling trains up to 700 meters long with the aid of two gantry cranes. The terminal is expected to process up to 100,000 loading units annually, a significant increase from the current capacity of 30,000 at the existing site.
Key Features of the New Terminal
- Infrastructure: The terminal will feature four loading tracks with a crane length of 700 meters, two storage tracks, a bypass track, and an extension track. Additionally, it will include drive, loading, and return lanes for trucks, along with four container storage tracks.
- Handling Equipment: Two gantry cranes will facilitate the loading and unloading of containers from trucks to trains and vice versa, with an option for a third crane to increase capacity.
- Technological Integration: Entry and exit points will be equipped with video gates for digital recording of loading units, streamlining the processing time.
- Road and Rail Connectivity: The terminal will have direct road access via Karlsruher Straße, connecting to B 17 and A8. Rail access will be provided through a connection to the Augsburg marshalling yard, necessitating the construction of two new railway overpasses.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The project is expected to shift approximately 2.3 million truck kilometers to rail each year, resulting in annual savings of around 700,000 liters of diesel and a reduction of over 1,700 tons of CO2 emissions. This move supports the broader environmental goals by decreasing road congestion and lowering pollution levels.
Regional Benefits
The Augsburg-Gersthofen terminal is set to benefit various sectors, including transport, logistics, industry, commerce, and services. The increased handling capacity will boost regional economic activity, create jobs, and improve the overall logistics infrastructure. It will also strengthen Augsburg’s competitive position in the European freight transport network.
Funding and Timeline
The construction of the terminal is co-financed by the DB, the federal government, and the European Union, with the EU contributing approximately 37 million euros through the Connecting Europe Facility program. The terminal is scheduled to be operational in 2026, at which point the current terminal in Augsburg-Oberhausen will be closed.
