Over the coming years, Swietelsky Rail Benelux will be working on ProRail’s Zuidwestboog Meteren project, part of the High-Frequency Rail Programme (PHS). The contract includes realigning a section of the Betuweroute and modifying the overhead line equipment on the A2 corridor (Utrecht–’s-Hertogenbosch) in preparation for the future Zuidwestboog.

Swietelsky Rail Benelux B.V. will be working for ProRail over the coming years on the Zuidwestboog Meteren project. The Zuidwestboog is part of the High-Frequency Rail Programme (PHS), one of the Netherlands’ most strategic rail programmes. This subproject includes realigning a section of the Betuweroute and modifying the overhead line equipment on the railway line between Utrecht and ’s-Hertogenbosch (the A2 corridor). These works are essential for constructing the future rail link: the Zuidwestboog.

Zuidwestboog

The new rail curve will enable freight trains to run directly from the Betuweroute to the south, and vice versa. This increases the capacity of the Betuweroute and creates more room for freight transport. The Zuidwestboog contributes to a more robust, flexible and reliable rail network.

What will we do?

Near Meteren, one kilometre of the Betuweroute will be shifted by approximately 60 metres. This will create space for the foundations of the future rail curve towards the A2 corridor. In addition, the overhead line equipment on the A2 corridor will be adapted to make it suitable for modern freight trains. The works will start in 2026 with the overhead line equipment; the track realignment will follow in 2027.

First steps 

Over the course of several nights, we will be working during short night-time windows to lay the foundations for the overhead lines. We will mainly be installing block foundations, supplemented by two bored pile foundations where the ground conditions are particularly challenging. By carrying out this work now, we will have the flexibility during the line closure in week 33 to focus entirely on installing and adjusting the structures. In this way, we are carefully preparing for the next stages of the Zuidwestboog Meteren project.

Follow the project

During the project, you can keep track of progress in several ways: 

•  On prorail.nl/spoorwerk, you can see when we are working in your area. You can also receive an automatic email notification when work is scheduled near you. You can sign up for this email service via MijnProRail.
• ProRail’s project page for the Zuidwestboog Meteren. Here you will find detailed information about the project and you can subscribe to the newsletter.
• 3D visualization of the Zuidwestboog.
• Live images via a webcam.