More Rail Capacity and Added Value for Surrounding Area

An ascending urban park on the edge of Groningen Central Station. Several green zones alongside the Dijksgracht rail underpass in Amsterdam. These are just two examples of rail projects that deliver more than increased train capacity. Green infrastructure and spatial quality are also key focus areas in the collaboration between ProRail and Strukton.

Green space at Dijksgracht

Creating space for beautiful city

“ The modifications to the railway alignment at Dijksgracht create a significant amount of space. All sidings and shunting tracks have been removed. Over time, the at-grade running tracks will be positioned closer together. In the new situation, two tracks will pass through the tunnel, two alongside the tunnel and four above it. The released area could simply have been seeded with grass, but together with ProRail we want to create something that genuinely adds value to the city.”

The work is being carried out in phases, just like the project’s main element: the concrete railway tunnel and its approach structures. At the end of 2024, the first green area was completed south of the tunnel, where access will become difficult at a later stage. Molhoek Infratechniek, responsible for the site landscaping, will complete the reinforced soil structure in the second phase and then begin work on the green spaces in the northern rail zone. The park area on the southern side is planned for completion in 2029.

 Deliberate choices

“ProRail’s reference design was carefully developed by architects and ecologists. The area will include bee hotels, curved gabion structures, varied planting and native vegetation that connects with other nearby green areas in the city. When translating the concept into the detailed design, we contributed practical expertise on constructability. For us, this involves many different activities, because each plant and tree species requires its own soil conditions, care and planting period. It is a complex puzzle that we are well equipped to solve.”

“ The landscape design has both visual and ecological value. It includes maples, beeches, birches, oaks and lime trees, as well as a variety of shrubs and species-rich grassland created from a native seed mix. Following completion, we will maintain the area for three years before handing it over to the regular green space management team.” Dimitri Kasoulis, Work Planner at Molhoek Infratechniek

More than greenery

“Molhoek Infratechniek is responsible not only for the landscaping but also for the entire site layout, including gabion structures, paving works and the relay building. We carried out the foundation works and are constructing the reinforced soil structures for the tunnel and railway tracks. In the green embankments, we are installing 3D-printed slope steps to provide railway workers with access to the tracks. Building in an urban environment and the broad scope of site works make this project especially challenging and rewarding.” Nick van Leeuwen, Site Manager at Molhoek Infratechniek

Molhoek Infratechniek also contributed optimisation ideas, such as adjusting the stone grading used in the gabions to achieve the desired visual quality. In line with Strukton Infra Specials’ ambitious zero-emission construction site strategy for the Dijksgracht project, Molhoek uses only electrically powered small equipment. The reinforced soil structures are largely constructed using locally sourced sand.

Green surroundings at Groningen Central Station

Enhancing the local environment

The station redevelopment project in Groningen is also receiving a green upgrade. On behalf of Strukton, architect Koen van Velsen designed the new public spaces and landscaping around the railway infrastructure. The most striking feature will be an urban park to the south-east of the bus underpass. The aim is to provide travellers, local residents and particularly people living in the Rivierenbuurt district with an attractive environment rather than a view of concrete walls and railway tracks.

“ The Municipality of Groningen had originally opted for a stepped design. Koen van Velsen enhanced this concept by adding terraces and seating areas, creating a place where people can spend time and meet. Local residents are extremely enthusiastic about the plans and can already imagine themselves enjoying a coffee together there. ” Amanda Reilman, Environmental Manager at Strukton

The park’s concrete structures have now been completed and the paving works are almost finished. Brickwork will be added on top of the retaining wall next to the underpass to discourage climbing. Planting will begin in the autumn, which is the most suitable season. By using relatively mature trees, the area will quickly develop into an attractive green environment.

Biodiversity-focused choices

The planting scheme has been carefully selected by the architect. For example, two species of pine tree will be planted, Pinus nigra nigra and Pinus sylvestris, both of which remain green throughout the year. The scheme also includes rhododendrons and colourful flowers from a native grassland mix containing around 15 different species. These plants will bloom at different times throughout the flowering season, attracting large numbers of bees, butterflies and other insects.

Attention to detail

With the landscaping nearing completion, the Groningen Central Station redevelopment project is entering its final phase. For several years, work has been carried out on this major project to increase rail capacity. Strukton delivered the underground bicycle parking facility and passenger passage, relocated tracks and created more and longer platforms. The renovated station building and passenger passage are already in use and provide an impressive result. Historic elements have been carefully restored, while new public spaces are spacious, bright and finished with high-quality materials. In addition, a technical services building, a bus drivers’ facility, a new bus station and a bus underpass have been constructed. The remaining works include additional bicycle facilities and a Kiss & Ride area on the western side of the station.

Both projects demonstrate how carefully considered choices can serve multiple objectives. More train capacity and greater value for the surrounding environment can go hand in hand. Together with ProRail, the teams at Strukton are proud to contribute to both.