Femern rail link may face 5-Year delay

The railway part of the Femern Belt connection between Denmark and Germany is facing schedule challenges and may be delayed by up to five years, Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen informed. The delay concerns the new tunnel under the Fehmarn Sound, which is under a tight schedule. While cars and trucks might still be able to use the connection by the target year of 2029, goods trains could face issues due to the aged railway and a bridge on the German side not fit for heavy transport. An alternative plan involves improving the existing bridge, but the transport ministry deemed it highly unlikely for goods traffic to be feasible even with the enhancement. The connection includes a massive 18-kilometer submerged tunnel and was politically agreed upon by Denmark and Germany in 2007.