Infrastructure

In view of the predicted traffic volumes, bottlenecks are to be expected in future which can be managed by introducing new routes or upgrading existing routes. This is supported by segregating traffic and specifically adapting the line to the demands of freight trains. The result then consists of increased capacities and improvements in operational quality for all types of transport (freight, passenger and commuter).

Major projects for adapting the infrastructure along the corridor Rotterdam – Genoa to the demand for freight transport in 2020 are:

• Betuwe route Rotterdam - Zevenaar
• 3rd track Emmerich-Oberhausen
• 3rd and 4th track Karlsruhe–Basel
• Katzenberg tunnel
• Gotthard base tunnel
• Lötschberg base tunnel
• Ceneri base tunnel
• South-East belt Milan

NEAT, the new transalpine rail route in Switzerland comprises some of these projects. Its most important elements are the Gotthard base tunnel and the Lötschberg base tunnel. After completion, the Gotthard base tunnel will be the longest railway tunnel in the world (57 km).

Terminals, marshalling yards and ports

Together with track capacity, a crucial role is also played by the capability of the freight handling points (sea ports, inland ports, marshalling yards, bi- and tri-modal terminals), as well as their connection to the main route of the corridor. After all, upgrading European sea ports only makes sense if the infrastructure for collecting and distributing goods from the ports keeps pace with market demands. In spite of increasing capacities, one basic condition remains irrefutable: noise levels must still remain on an acceptable level.

More information about ports, terminals and marshalling yards? Please visit our partners' websites. More.