“Without a tightly managed logistics plan and the flexibility of all partners, a project like this at height simply cannot be delivered. It was a logistical puzzle in which every piece fell perfectly into place.”
Commissioned by Infrabel, Swietelsky Rail Benelux completely renewed all tracks on the first level of Antwerp Central Station. The project included the full replacement of 2.3 kilometers of slab track and the installation of 16,000 new rail fasteners. Thanks to a carefully designed logistics plan, the involvement of Belgian partners, and the specialist expertise of our Austrian colleagues from Kallinger, this complex project was completed successfully and with minimal disruption to the station’s 40,000 daily passengers.
Antwerp Central is rightly regarded as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Yet behind its monumental historic façade lies a major logistical and technical challenge for the modern railway contractor. Trains arrive here on three different levels, stacked above one another like a series of viaducts. Swietelsky was entrusted with the remarkable task of completely renewing all tracks on the first level. A project defined by international collaboration, innovative 3D technology, and a highly complex logistical puzzle.
The unique dynamics of a railway cathedral
Antwerp Central is a vital hub in the Belgian rail network, welcoming around 40,000 passengers every day. Working in such a dynamic environment requires the utmost care to keep disruption for passengers and the surrounding area to an absolute minimum. This project focused on the first level, where the track structure is built on a concrete substructure and transitions into conventional ballast track.
“Working at a busy operational station requires rock-solid preparation and absolute precision.”
To ensure smooth operations at the station, the work was carried out during three extended periods without train traffic, with two tracks taken out of service at a time. Tracks 3 and 4 were the final phase, and were renewed in the spring of 2026. By carrying out the work on weekdays and during daytime hours, disruption to the surrounding area was kept to a minimum.
Millimeter precision for greater passenger comfort
On a complex rail hub such as Antwerp, accurate measurement is essential. Right at the start of the service interruption, our partner in surveying carried out a 3D scan to map the existing situation. The final new track design was optimised by rail infrastructure manager Infrabel. By adjusting the curves intelligently, the tracks are now positioned so that trains enter the station more smoothly and comfortably.
For the execution phase, we worked closely with local partners as well as with our Austrian colleagues from Kallinger, the specialist in this type of slab track. Together with our own surveyors, they used the 3D design to align the track with an accuracy of up to 2 millimeters.
Meticulous work: 16,000 fasteners and hand-poured concrete
Renewing slab track is an intensive process. In total, we renewed 2,3 kilometers of track, equivalent to around 5 kilometers of new rail and no fewer than 16,000 fasteners. This was by far the largest part of the project: first, the existing anchor holes had to be drilled out with great precision, after which new holes were drilled to bond the fasteners into place.
In addition, tracks 4, 5 and 6 were positioned higher in the new layout than they had been initially. This meant that the track structure had to be underpinned and grouted with high-performance concrete. In total, no less than 150 tons of this special concrete were used. To guarantee quality and exact height, the concrete was poured entirely by hand.
A three-dimensional logistical puzzle
Working on the first level of a station forces you to think very differently about logistics. While on other projects materials and equipment can easily be delivered by road, that was simply impossible here. As with other complex Swietelsky projects, such as the Zuidasdok project, logistics were once again a crucial factor. All materials had to be brought in by train, creating a highly complex logistical puzzle.
In advance, our teams drew up detailed work plans, logistics plans and loading plans. Which materials had to go on which wagon? And in what order did the train need to enter the station to allow immediate and efficient unloading? Thanks to close cooperation with Infrabel, which planned and carried out all shunting movements flawlessly, this logistics operation ran smoothly.
Cross-border collaboration
This project in Antwerp perfectly demonstrates where Swietelsky’s strength lies: bringing together specialist expertise and delivering top performance under challenging circumstances. By combining local know-how, cross-border collaboration with our Austrian colleagues from Kallinger, and excellent synergy with our client Infrabel, this complex project was completed successfully. Together, we have delivered a durable, comfortable and future-proof railway infrastructure in this magnificent railway cathedral.
