European Railroad Discussion > Germany - Kassel Tram - Line 4, sharing with Heavy Rail

Took a trip on Kassel's Train Line 4.  Outside the city area, Line 4 shares track with a Deutshce Bahn line.  

To ensure clearance for heavy rail through the tram stops there is some complicated trackwork, as shown in the video. Video was taken out the rear window of the tram on a service from Helsa to Kassel city centre.

The track sharing starts at the Papierfabrik, Kaufungen stop & continues to the end of the line, except for one portion where the tram takes a winding excursion through a residential area. 

On the other side of the city, Line 5 also shares the DB line from near the VW Werk stop to Baunatal.  In both cases, the DB line is non relectified. These routes operate with standard Kassel Bombardier trams.

Kassel also has 4 "RegioTram" routes, where Alstom RegioCitadis Trams operate on DB tracks & stations, but enter the city tram network to trave to the city via a connection at Kassel Hbf station. 

 

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Here's a couple of photos of the Kassel Trams:
1. Bombardier Trams at the Wilhelmshöho (Park) stop. Only Line 1 services seem to be double length.
2. Alstom RegioCitadis tram/train near the Rathaus stop in the inner city.

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Interesting trackwork for sure.  (nothing like stepping on the rail vs. over it)

I like the track work. Single line, passing tracks, gauntlet tracks in stations both directions. The United States needs to look at this for all future construction. SMART in the Bay Area is close....

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