Station Closure at Nordstraße in Düsseldorf: Asbestos Removal to Last Till Year-End
U-Bahn Station Nordstraße Undergoes Renovation and Asbestos Removal
The U-Bahn station Nordstraße in Germany is currently undergoing a planned modernization effort to enhance passenger safety and comply with updated regulations. The station has been closed since May 21st, with trains passing through without stopping, as preparations for the fire protection renovation uncovered asbestos fibers.
The asbestos fibers discovered at the station originate from a 40-year-old lighting cover that was dismantled and cut in the 1990s. Locks are used to prevent uncontrolled release of asbestos fibers, and a certified specialist company has been implementing a remediation concept since June 14th. An external expert office is accompanying and monitoring the measures, including through further measurements.
The asbestos removal phase is expected to take several weeks to complete, depending on the extent of contamination found. After the completion of asbestos remediation, fire protection renovations will begin immediately. The overall renovation project at Nordstraße station is anticipated to be completed within 6 to 12 months from the start date.
During the closure, passengers are asked to use the neighboring stations "Heinrich-Heine-Allee" and "ERGO-Platz/Klever Straße". The above-ground passenger service of tram lines 701 and 705 is not affected by the restriction of U-Bahn lines U78 and U79.
The modernization will include a smoke-permeable expanded metal grid ceiling, non-flammable floor coverings, surveillance cameras, additional loudspeakers, and a new fire alarm system. The safety of all involved, including workers, residents, passengers, and employees of Rheinbahn, is the top priority, according to Mobility and Environment Commissioner Jochen Kral.
Passengers are reassured that no asbestos fibers were detected in preliminary air quality measurements or dust contact samples in the public area. The contaminated dust from the dismantled lighting cover remained undiscovered until the ceiling was removed.
Construction work is being carried out in stages to minimize disruption to daily U-Bahn operations. The fire protection upgrades, including the installation of modern fire detection, alarm systems, and improved evacuation routes, are underway concurrently with the preliminary asbestos removal activities.
For the most up-to-date status and detailed schedule, checking official announcements from the local transit authority or the city’s public transportation department is recommended. The asbestos removal is expected to last until the end of 2025.
- Despite the closure of U-Bahn station Nordstraße for renovation, the above-ground transit service of tram lines 701 and 705 remains unaffected, allowing passengers to use alternative stations such as Heinrich-Heine-Allee and ERGO-Platz/Klever Straße.
- As part of the modernization project at U-Bahn station Nordstraße, emphasis is placed not only on enhancing passenger safety with upgrades like a smoke-permeable ceiling, non-flammable floor coverings, and improved evacuation routes, but also on promoting health-and-wellness by including environmental-science considerations, such as using low-emission materials and sustainable practices.
