Layer by Layer to a New Railway Line

Rarely has the transformation of Luxembourg’s railway network been as visible to the naked eye as in recent months. Like a puzzle, the various pieces of the mobility system are gradually coming together, allowing even the untrained eye to see that mobility history is being made here.

Just this summer, numerous works were carried out, including the further development of the Howald multimodal hub and the construction of the new railway line between Luxembourg and Bettembourg.
(Also read: A productive Summer of engineering works for the CFL, in service of their customers.)

More Tracks for a Better and More Punctual Train Service

The future new rail connection between Bettembourg and Luxembourg will represent a quantum leap in the CFL offering. The southern part of the railway network will be relieved, allowing for an increase in train services and improved punctuality.

This new railway line is a key piece in the mobility puzzle. Before the tracks can be laid, the so-called track substructure must be completed.

Pre-ballasting – or How 18,000 Tons of Ballast Ensure Stability and Safety

Currently and over the coming week, a nearly two-kilometre section of the future line is undergoing what is known as pre-ballasting.
This involves laying and distributing the layer of ballast on which the tracks will soon be placed. Around 1,000 tons are required for every 100 metres of track. The natural stones, with their characteristic reddish hue, form the final layer of the track substructure. Thanks to this multi-layered structure, the heavy loads of trains will be evenly and safely distributed in the future.

Preparing for the Tracks – Even 10 Metres Above Ground

To ensure that the new and existing railway lines can operate independently (a key factor for improved punctuality), the two lines separate noticeably north of Bettembourg station. Via the so-called flyover structure, the new railway line crosses about 10 metres above the existing Luxembourg–Bettembourg line. To ensure perfect track laying at this point as well, pre-ballasting is also carried out on the impressive concrete structure.

By the end of the All Saints’ holiday, a large part of the seven-kilometre-long line had already been pre-ballasted and was ready for the future track laying. During the school holidays, the first tracks were already laid from the Howald multimodal hub towards the spectacular bow-string bridge that will carry the new railway line over the A3 motorway.

Step by step, the different pieces of the mobility puzzle are coming together.