Spatial impact assessment completed: New traction current project for the region!

Spatial impact assessment completed: New traction current project for the region!

On August 26, 2025, the government of Upper Palatinate completed the spatial impact assessment for a new 110 kV traction power line. This line extends for around 150 kilometers and runs between the Burgweinting, Irrenlohe, Weiden and Pechbrunn substations. The aim of the measure is to secure the power supply for the electrified railway line between Regensburg and Marktredwitz. This route is currently being expanded and electrified to improve the rail infrastructure. Ebermannsdorf reports that the overhead line largely runs parallel to the railway line, the A93 and the Ostbayernring.

As part of the process, around 60 public bodies and around 40 statements from the public contributed to shaping the audit. The results show that the project was classified as spatially compatible, but with certain conditions to increase the compatibility. For example, numerous measures were introduced to minimize possible negative effects on settlement development, nature, landscape and agriculture. The government of the Upper Palatinate states that In the Schwandorf area, only one variant that runs parallel to the railway line was considered spatially compatible, while alternative options were rejected.

Public participation and statements

Public opinion on the project was mixed. While the majority of the specialist authorities had a positive view of the project, there were critical voices, particularly regarding the need for the overhead line. Citizens had the opportunity to submit statements until April 25, 2025, which could preferably be submitted via the respective municipalities or directly to the government of the Upper Palatinate. The planning documents were also stored for one month in the district offices and in the city of Weiden i.d.OPf. publicly displayed. The government further reports that The audit had to include extensive adjustments regarding environmental protection and landscape management.

With regard to the technical implementation, DB Energie GmbH argues that a decentralized feed into the railway energy supply would pose technical and operational challenges. An alternative proposal to carry the overhead line on existing masts was deemed unfeasible by network operators. The construction of the traction power transmission line is part of the broader project to improve the rail transport infrastructure, which pursues key goals such as higher operational quality, shortened journey times and an increase in the performance of rail freight transport.