Electrification and improvement of the Maaslijn

With around 22,000 passengers a day, the Maaslijn is one of the busiest regional rail lines in the Netherlands and the busiest regional rail line in Limburg. If a delay occurs, it cannot be made up, and disruptions cannot be accommodated because trains can only pass each other at stations. By electrifying the existing track, doubling it in some places and improving level crossing safety, the Maaslijn will become faster, more reliable and more sustainable.

Between 2024 and 2027, work will be carried out on the railway line between Nijmegen and Roermond: the Maaslijn. Swietelsky Rail Benelux is carrying out the project on behalf of ProRail, in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Province of Limburg, the Province of North Brabant and the Province of Gelderland.

How are we building the Maaslijn of the future?

The Maaslijn project involves a large number of modifications and improvements to the rail link between Nijmegen and Roermond. We are doubling the track at four locations: Cuijk, Boxmeer, Venray and Reuver. This will allow trains to pass each other more easily and quickly at these points. In addition, we are installing a signal relay room, new points, widening the curves in the track to allow for higher speeds, and renewing existing track and over twenty level crossings. We are also electrifying the entire route (overlayerhead lines). To supply power, we are installing nine traction substations along the line. As a result, there will no longer be any diesel trains running on the line, but electric trains, which are more sustainable. From 2028, train journeys between Nijmegen and Roermond will be faster and more reliable.

Innovations and developments

In the rail sector, we are constantly on the lookout for innovations that make our work more sustainable, improve it and reduce its impact on the surrounding area. For example, several pilot projects are being run as part of this project, and the Maaslijn is also the first railway line in the Netherlands to feature innovative tubular foundations for the catenary gantries. Interested? Then read our articles about these developments:

Contact

There are several ways to keep track of the project as it progresses.

Visit prorail.nl/spoorwerk to see when we’ll be working in your area. You can also sign up to receive an automatic email notification when we start work near you. You can register for this email service via mijnprorail;
We will keep you informed of the latest developments via the BouwApp. You can download this free app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have installed the app, search for ‘Maaslijn’. You can follow the project by clicking ‘follow’. Then select the municipality where you live or work, so we can send you targeted information that is relevant to you. You can also follow the project via your browser: https://debouw.app/projects/opwaardering-maaslijn
We periodically distribute a digital newsletter about the project (only in Dutch). In the newsletter you can read more about the works, progress, planned (traffic) disruption, special moments and the people behind the work. You can sign up for this newsletter by sending an email to maaslijn@swietelsky-rail.nl.
If you have any questions, complaints, comments or suggestions regarding the project and/or disruption, please contact us via: email: maaslijn@swietelsky-rail.nl; phone: 06-27 31 32 81 (during office hours; 24/7 during service interruptions).