overtaking loops. After the planning stage in 1997, it was still intended to build eleven substations (ESTW-A). The route is between Erfurt Hbf and Leipzig Messe is equipped with European Train Control System (ETCS). For the first time in Germany, ETCS Level 2 has been used without trackside signals and with no signal-based fallback. 1352 Eurobalises have been installed with special mountings for protection from impacts. The four ETCS control centres (two in Erfurt, one each in Halle and Neuwiederitzsch) are designed as "two out of three" computer systems to deal with malfunctions. In an ETCS failure, the trains continue to operate under the ETCS Staff Responsible mode. An integrated user interface has been developed for the operation of the electronic interlockings and ETCS control centres. As a fallback to ETCS, an intermittent train control system (Punktförmige Zugbeeinflussung) was modelled, which would allow operations outside of stations with turnouts at speeds of up . Procedures were also developed for dealing with a malfunctioning GSM-R Base transceiver station, so that trains can be run through. The line was first put into operation with ETCS version SRS 2.3.0d (with additional changes), and it was initially scheduled to be upgraded to full functionality under ETCS Baseline 3 at the end of 2017. Therefore, only specifically approved vehicles (such as the ICE T and some railway service vehicles) may operate on this route. The upgrade program has changed and, instead, further developments are to be carried out on the basis of baseline 2. A full installation of ETCS at the Erfurt, Halle and Leipzig junctions was tested, and ultimately the Erfurt junction was partially equipped with ETCS. 15 GSM-R base stations were built along the line at intervals of six to eight kilometres comprising new and adapted existing base stations. In addition radio field amplifiers were built. The new line is built as slab track with the overtaking tracks and connections with the existing network built as conventional ballasted tracks. 34,000 sections of slab tracks were laid for the line. In the tunnels and on the Saale-Elster Viaduct this is designed to be usable by emergency road vehicles. These new designs were tested on a specially built test track. Trains must be equipped with emergency brakes between Großbrembach and Jüdendorf. Three new substations for the supply of traction power were built near Bachstedt, in the Saubach valley area and near Dörstewitz. Further, railway power