The Netherlands is connecting the Brabant and Betuwe lines. The two routes are key for rail freight. The new link is supposed to let trains drive on the Betuwe line for longer as passenger trains are claiming more capacity on the Brabant route.
Construction works for the connection, called “Zuidwestboog” (South West arch), are now ongoing at the town of Meteren, in the centre of the country. Former Dutch minister of infrastructure Mark Harbers characterised the project’s goal as “more passenger trains on busy routes and adequate capacity for freight trains at the same time.” The connection is supposed to be finished by 2030.
Infrastructure limitations are a key obstacle for rail transportation in the Netherlands. In anticipation of growing traffic in the upcoming years, the Netherlands is now building the “Zuidwestboog” between the Brabant and Betuwe routes.
It is supposed to redirect freight traffic onto the Betuwe line for a larger section of route towards Germany and into Europe. Subsequently, the Betuwe line “will be used better” for freight traffic, according to infrastructure manager ProRail. Passenger trains will be claiming the freed up capacity on the Brabant line in the future.
