As Biel became a regional industrial center, Brügg became a suburb and commuter town. The construction of a railroad in 1865 and a highway in 1955 connected Brügg into the Bern-Lyss-Biel route and encouraged the village to grow into an industrial town. Beginning in 1950, the population of Brügg exploded. It grew by 68% between 1950 and 1960, which was the fastest growth rate in the Canton. A number of new housing developments, including; Pfeid, Gummen, Brachmatt, Baltismatt, Burgersried, Winzenried and Neubrückquartier, grew up around Brügg to house the growing population.