Reaching New Heights in Howald

Last week, work on the Howald multimodal hub quite literally reached new heights. Several metres above the tracks, cranes groaned under the strain while massive steel elements weighing several tonnes floated seemingly weightlessly through the air before being positioned with millimetre precision — made possible thanks to the perfectly coordinated teamwork between the crews on the ground and those working at height.

During the suspension of train services between Luxembourg and Bettembourg, the supporting structures for the future escalators — which will connect the Howald platforms with the tram stop located above the tracks — were installed. During the operation, the various heavy components, including the six crossbeams that make up each escalator support frame, were fully bolted together on site. The metallic framework, which will one day carry the escalators’ impressive weight of 14 tonnes each, is itself anything but lightweight, tipping the scales at 17 tonnes.

Summary in pictures (click to explore the gallery):

Next Stop: 2 March 2026

In just a few weeks, the Howald multimodal hub will once again offer access to two platforms. As David, the CFL project manager, explains, work on the platforms is now entering its final stretch.

“The work on the platforms is largely complete, apart from the escalators and the construction of heated waiting rooms. On Platform I, which was temporarily taken out of service in September 2025 to prepare for the future connection between the Howald interchange platform and the new additional rail link between Luxembourg and Bettembourg, new signage with various information panels is now being installed. This includes, among other things, the place name signage in both Luxembourgish and French. Some finishing touches remain, especially regarding paving and waterproofing.

This summer, another major milestone — one of the final chapters of the Howald multimodal hub project — will follow: installing and cladding the escalators. By the last quarter of 2026, work in Howald will be fully completed.
From March 2026, and until the new additional rail link between Luxembourg and Bettembourg is officially launched, both platforms in Howald will already be in operation: Platform I for trains travelling from Luxembourg towards Bettembourg; and Platform II for trains travelling from Bettembourg towards Luxembourg.”

Photo story: main facts