Construction of ERTMS between Kijfhoek and Belgian Border

Strukton and BAM Infra Nederland have been commissioned by ProRail to implement the future‑proof train protection system ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) between Kijfhoek and the Belgian border. As part of this multi‑year project, we are responsible not only for the implementation of ERTMS, but also for the installation of axle counters and the realisation of a future‑proof power supply system. Construction works will start at the end of 2025 and continue through to 2028. Prior to commissioning in 2030, extensive testing will take place in 2029 to ensure the highest levels of safety and reliability.

The digital rail platform of the future

ERTMS is the European standard for train protection and traffic management. Over the coming years, ProRail will replace the current analogue train protection system, ATB, with the digital rail platform ERTMS. With ERTMS, trains will be able to operate more safely and at higher speeds in the future, increasing network capacity. It also facilitates cross‑border rail traffic within Europe.

Long‑term preparation

The transition to ERTMS is extensive. It requires adaptations to IT systems and the introduction of new components that are still under development. In addition, approximately 50,000 balises and more than 20,000 axle counters need to be installed across the Dutch rail network. In 2019, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management commissioned ProRail to deliver the ERTMS programme. ProRail is also responsible for upgrading the rail infrastructure.

To accelerate the rollout of ERTMS, ProRail launched the Faster ERTMS Implementation Tender (ASAP ERTMS), seeking innovative solutions. This tender led to the development of, among other things, the trackbot (a robot that takes over physically demanding, repetitive installation work from engineers) and the Reality Tool (digital twin).

“Robotisation and digitalisation help the rail sector retain specialist expertise in a tight labour market. We are convinced that these technological innovations are the solution to keeping our professionals engaged and inspiring a new generation to work in our sector. It is great news for us – and for the sector – that we can now put into practice the solutions we have developed based on this belief, with support from the European Union and ProRail. And to do so immediately in the first major contract of the ERTMS rollout.” Tjark de Vries, Managing Director, Strukton Rail Nederland

“The introduction of ERTMS is a major step forward for the Dutch rail network. The innovative trackbot developed by Strukton together with ProRail and its partners is of great value to this project. BAM is proud to contribute its expertise in the digitalisation and automation of the required work processes, which is crucial for a project of this scale. The robot takes over repetitive and physically demanding manual work in the track, something BAM also considers highly important. We look forward to being among the first to take ERTMS from the drawing board to reality and to contribute to making the Dutch rail network future‑proof.” Michel van den Munckhof, Managing Director, BAM Infra Nederland

Kijfhoek – Belgian border section

In the first quarter of 2025, Strukton and BAM, together with ProRail and the Knowledge Alliance (Dutch), will start preparatory works and design activities. Construction on the more than 50‑kilometre‑long section between Kijfhoek and the Belgian border is expected to begin at the end of 2025 and continue through to 2028. To guarantee the highest levels of safety and reliability, 2029 will be dedicated to testing. Following the commissioning of ERTMS in 2030, Strukton and BAM will begin decommissioning the existing analogue train protection system.

Unique ERTMS innovations

Strukton is developing two unique innovations to accelerate the installation of the new protection system:

• ERTMS Configurator – this tool is used to create a digital twin of line sections and to configure the required ERTMS installation before construction starts
• ERTMS Robot – this robot installs the new system on line sections based on the specifications from the ERTMS Configurator

Together, these innovations are expected to speed up implementation and increase track availability, leading to cost reductions. Just as importantly, they significantly reduce the physical workload for engineers.