Overview
More freight trains due to expansion of the Betuwe Line
Transport on the Betuwe Line has increased in recent years. The expectation is that this upward trend will continue in the years ahead. A third track is needed in order to cope adequately with this expected increase. The first terminals on Maasvlakte II will go into use this year. This means a rise in freight transport. The laying of a third track means that freight transport operators can run more freight trains on European freight corridors. International rail traffic between Rotterdam and Genoa will also be improved as a result.
The connection between the Betuwe Line and the hinterland will soon be improved. An additional track will be laid along the line between Zevenaar and Oberhausen (Germany). This third track will be completed in 2022, allowing more trains to run on the line.
The project consists of the following components:
- laying a third track of 70 km and a fourth track of 3 km;
- constructing 74 km of noise barriers;
- upgrading 11 stations;
- constructing or modifying 47 overpasses and bridges;
- replacing 55 level crossings with 38 flyover crossings.