Deutsche Bahn Plans to Reduce Level Crossings to Improve Safety

The railway operator aims to curb accidents by replacing crossings with underpasses and overpasses, as investigations continue into recent collisions.

Deutsche Bahn intends to further reduce the number of railway level crossings in Germany, citing safety concerns after recent fatal accidents.
The number of level crossings has already been reduced from 28,000 in the 1990s to 15,820 in 2023, contributing to a 75% drop in accidents over the same period.
Investigations are ongoing into recent incidents, including a fatal train-truck collision in Hamburg and safety lapses at a crossing in Oldenburg.
Over 95% of accidents at level crossings are attributed to driver inattention, recklessness, or lack of awareness, according to Deutsche Bahn.
The company is collaborating with the government and municipalities to accelerate the transition to safer infrastructure, supported by financial relief for local authorities.