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Project Rijswijk-Rotterdam civil engineering and rail awarded to Strukton

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Rijswijk-Rotterdam

Date

04 December 2018

Within the Rijswijk-Rotterdam High-Frequency Track Programme, ProRail has awarded the Rijskwijk – Rotterdam DS1 Track and Civil Engineering Works to Strukton. The focus of Strukton’s proposal is on limiting inconvenience to the surroundings and creating time and space for flawless system integration. Through smart phasing and implementation, inconvenience to travellers at Delft Zuid station has been reduced from two years to six months. Outside work will commence in November 2019. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2024.

 

Expanding Capacity

Eight Intercity trains and six Sprinters an hour will run in each direction between The Hague Central Station and Rotterdam Central Station. There will also be more track capacity for freight traffic on this route. To be able to achieve this, the tracks between Rijswijk and Delft South will be doubled from two to four tracks. The signals between Delft Zuid and Rotterdam will also be improved.

Changes in and around Rijswijk

In Rijswijk, an underpass will be constructed to replace the level crossing. The new underpass will be located 250 metres to the north of the current level crossing and will be integrated into the municipality of Rijswijk’s local development. A railway access point for emergency services and railway contractors will be constructed at the site of the current level crossing.

The railway bridge at the border of Rijswijk and Delft will make way for a bridge able to accommodate four tracks. The new bridge will have a clearance of 1.80 m, which will allow pleasure craft to easily pass under it.

Changes in and around Delft

To enable the doubling of the tracks between Rijswijk and Delft Zuid, the western tube of the railway tunnel in the new Delft station will be opened up. This tube – a copy of the tube that has been in use since 2015 – was delivered as a shell in August 2017.

An underpass for cyclists and pedestrians with access to the platforms will be constructed at Delft South station. The current side platforms will be replaced by two island platforms and lifts will be installed to improve accessibility.

Other changes

Noise screens will be installed in Delft and the railway yard on DSM’s industrial premises will be connected to the new tracks. Several new switches will be installed between Schiedam Centre and Rotterdam Central Station. Platform 6 at Rotterdam Central Station will be extended to accommodate the required timetable.

High-Frequency Rail Transport Programme

The High-Frequency Rail Transport Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works and Water Management (IenW). ProRail is executing the plans in cooperation with the Dutch National Railways (NS) and KNV Spoorgoederenvervoer (Royal Netherlands Transport – Railway Freight Transport). ProRail is working on expanding the tracks between Rijswijk and Rotterdam under contract to IenW, the municipality of Delft and the municipality of Rijswijk.

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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

What are the main challenges of railway construction in densely populated European urban areas

Railway construction in European urban areas faces several challenges, including limited space, strict environmental regulations and the need to manage noise and vibration in line with European rail standards. Complex public transport networks, high population density and the demand for uninterrupted urban mobility add further constraints.

What factors influence the cost of building a new railway line?

The cost of constructing a new railway line in Europe depends on several key factors, including route length, local geography, environmental requirements and the complexity of the surrounding rail infrastructure. Prices can range from several million to hundreds of millions of euros, depending on whether the project involves urban environments, tunnels, bridges or upgrades to existing public transport networks.

Strukton delivers tailored railway engineering solutions and provides expert advice on cost optimisation through smart design, efficient project planning and sustainable construction techniques. By applying innovative technologies and meeting European rail standards, we help clients reduce lifecycle costs while ensuring reliable, future‑proof transport connections.

How long does a typical railway construction project take?

The duration of a railway construction project in Europe varies widely, depending on the project’s scale, location and the complexity of the surrounding rail infrastructure. Smaller upgrades or maintenance works may take only a few months, while major infrastructure projects — such as new rail lines, station upgrades or urban mobility improvements — can take several years to deliver due to engineering challenges, environmental requirements and European rail standards.

Strukton ensures efficient project delivery through precise planning, integrated railway engineering and smart construction methods. By coordinating with local transport authorities and applying techniques that minimise disruption for passengers and communities, we help keep Europe’s rail networks reliable, accessible and future‑ready throughout the entire construction process.

What safety measures are required during railway construction projects?

Safety is a top priority in all railway construction projects across Europe. Construction teams must comply with strict rail safety standards, European regulations and national guidelines to ensure a safe worksite and a reliable rail infrastructure. Measures typically include the use of personal protective equipment, designated worksite barriers, controlled access zones and continuous digital safety monitoring to reduce risks around active rail lines.

At Strukton, safety is embedded in our railway engineering expertise. We apply advanced monitoring technologies, rigorous training programmes and proactive risk management to safeguard our people, our partners and the travelling public. By integrating safety into every phase of a project, we help deliver secure, future‑proof rail infrastructure throughout Europe.

What is the difference between railway construction and railway maintenance?

Railway construction involves building new rail lines, stations and other assets that expand or upgrade Europe’s rail infrastructure. This includes activities such as track installation, civil engineering works, signalling systems and the development of new corridors to support sustainable transport and growing mobility needs across European rail networks.

Railway maintenance, on the other hand, focuses on keeping existing infrastructure safe, reliable and efficient. This includes inspections, repairs, asset renewals and preventative maintenance to ensure smooth operations and compliance with European safety and performance standards.

Strukton provides both railway construction and rail maintenance services, combining advanced engineering, digital monitoring technologies and lifecycle‑based asset management. This integrated approach helps keep rail networks across Europe in optimal condition while supporting future‑proof mobility solutions.

What materials are used in modern railway construction?

Modern railway construction in Europe relies on high‑performance and durable materials that meet strict European rail standards for safety, sustainability and long‑term performance. Typical components include high‑grade steel rails, reinforced concrete sleepers, copper contact wires for overhead line systems and high‑quality, sustainably sourced ballast for track stability.

To support Europe’s shift towards sustainable and circular rail infrastructure, Strukton prioritises low‑maintenance, recyclable and long‑life materials. By applying circular construction principles and selecting components that minimise material consumption and maintenance needs, we help extend the lifespan of railway assets and reduce the environmental footprint of rail infrastructure projects across Europe.

Which machines are used in rail construction?

In rail construction, highly specialised machinery ensures that work is carried out safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption. Typical equipment includes track‑laying trains, tamping machines, rail welding units, road‑rail excavators and ballast profiling systems, each designed to build or restore track structures with precision. These machines support both large‑scale track installation and daily maintenance operations. Innovations in automation and robotics are increasingly enhancing productivity and safety, helping infrastructure managers deliver consistent quality in a growing European rail network.

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