Construction of ERTMS on Leeuwarden – Harlingen Haven Line

Strukton is rolling out the European rail traffic management system (ERTMS) on the Leeuwarden – Harlingen Haven line section as part of the ERTMS Northern Lines project in the Netherlands.

What are we going to do?

We are implementing ERTMS to replace the existing train protection system (ATB). We will start by installing ERTMS infrastructure on the Leeuwarden – Harlingen Haven line section. This includes, among other things, new cabling, axle counters and balises (beacons) in the track.

In January 2026, the first visible outdoor works started with the installation of fibre‑optic ducts over a distance of 25 kilometres between Harlingen and Leeuwarden. Once the new infrastructure has been installed and commissioned, the current ATB train protection system will be removed.

ERTMS line section Leeuwarden – Harlingen Haven

The Leeuwarden – Harlingen Haven line section is part of the ERTMS programme’s test strategy. On this route, the latest version of ERTMS is being tested for the first time using upgraded track, retrofitted trains, new systems and trained staff.

“We are delighted to be so closely involved in this first line and to play a full role in the test strategy.” Ben van Schijndel, ERTMS Programme Manager at Strukton Rail

If the tests between Leeuwarden and Harlingen Haven are successfully completed, ERTMS will also be commissioned on the Leeuwarden – Stavoren line. This work will be carried out by BAM Infra Nederland. This will be followed by the implementation of ERTMS on the remainder of the Northern Lines.

The ERTMS Northern Lines project consists of a total of six line sections and the stations of Groningen and Leeuwarden. The project is a collaboration between ProRail, Arriva, the Provinces of Fryslân and Groningen, and the ERTMS Programme Directorate.

Photo ProRail: Roel van Dijk (Project Manager, Strukton), Rick Valk (Construction Manager, ProRail) and Roy van Dijkmans (Delivery Manager, Strukton).

What is ERTMS?

ERTMS is the abbreviation of European Rail Traffic Management System. It is the new European standard for train protection and control. Train protection is the backbone of a reliable and safe railway network. It ensures that trains run at the right time, at the correct speed and at safe distances from one another. This is crucial for both passenger comfort and freight transport.

Modern train protection combines mechanical, electrical and digital technologies to guarantee continuous safety, even on heavily used rail networks. ERTMS also makes European rail traffic easier, as all European countries will ultimately use the same 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.