Biden visit: More closures, traffic jams and train cancellations

Major security measures are once again planned for US President Biden's visit to Berlin.

The planned, then canceled and now still upcoming state visit by US President Joe Biden is keeping the Berlin police and traffic planners in the capital on their toes.

The Berlin Traffic Information Center (VIZ) is warning of "massive traffic restrictions" due to Biden's visit from Thursday evening to Friday of this week - especially during the president's arrival and departure.

Biden has the highest security level

Biden is one of the politicians with the highest level of security worldwide. The German police and the American Secret Service have little regard for motorists or trains and suburban trains in their measures. According to the traffic information center, considerable traffic restrictions and closures are to be expected in the Brandenburg Gate, Bellevue Palace and the government district on Thursday evening and Friday. Road users should avoid these areas and drive as far around them as possible, it said. There will also be major restrictions across the entire S-Bahn network, with many S-Bahn trains temporarily not running or running less frequently.

Regional and long-distance trains also affected

There will also be changes to regional and long-distance trains because the train routes run alongside Bellevue Palace, where Biden will be received by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Subway trains and buses will also be affected. Due to the level of risk, the police will not be releasing precise information until Thursday - or possibly not at all. The Berlin police, the federal police and supporting forces from other federal states are expected to close roads from Thursday. Much will depend on the location of Biden's overnight stay. During previous visits by US presidents, the Hotel Adlon at the Brandenburg Gate, for example, was cordoned off and comprehensively secured.

Extensive security measures: Large-scale police operation

The same scenario followed as last Friday during Zelenskyy's visit: Police snipers positioned on buildings, water police on the Spree, plus dog squads, explosives searches, closed airspace, drone defense and ID checks. The Berlin police union (GdP) emphasized the strain on police officers as the next major operation is imminent. At the same time, it assured them that the police would handle it professionally and without any excitement.