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Better international train connections between southern Netherlands and Germany

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Date

19 April 2018

Expertise

Rail Construction

On 17 April, a symbolic first step was taken towards a fast, direct connection between Germany and the southern Netherlands.

 

Better international train connections between southern Netherlands and Germany.

The electrification of the 6.5 km railway line between Landgraaf and Herzogenrath is the first project aimed at better international train connections between the southern Netherlands and Germany.

Works


At the end of April, Strukton Rail started on the electrification of the 6.5 km railway line. The installation of an overhead line has made a fast, direct train connection possible between Aachen, Maastricht and Liege.

Shutdowns

 

Several major shutdowns are planned in week 18 (220 hours), week 23 (52 hours) and week 35 (52 hours). During these shutdowns, we will extend the platform in Landgraaf, install the overhead line between Landgraaf and Haanrade and build a substation in Haanrade and a transformer station in Landgraaf. We will also lay cables and pipelines, adapt the protection and build a voltage transition point in the overhead line. This is interdisciplinary work involving our skilled personnel from various technical fields.

The electrification work should be finished at the end of this year. Transport company Arriva will then operate an hourly direct train service between Maastricht and Aachen. Arriva has ordered new trains for this service which are suitable for three countries.

EurekaRail


The electrification of the railway line up to the German border is a joint project for ProRail and the province of Limburg. With the EurekaRail programme, the southern Netherlands provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, are aiming to provide faster, more comfortable cross-border (train) connections between Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

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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