On track for greater mobility

Every day, approximately 360,000 commuters travel into and out of Brussels and a further 50,000 or so are forecast to join their ranks by 2008. Against this background of increasing commuter numbers, and as road networks become increasingly congested, the Réseau Express Régional is undoubtedly the best solution for ensuring long-term mobility in and around Europe’s capital. Global Railway Review met with Luc Lallemand, CEO of Infrabel, for an open talk about the RER project, the challenges and the investments.

The Brussels RER (Réseau Express Régional, or Regional Express Network) will take the form of eight closely interconnected rail links, which will significantly enhance mobility in Brussels and in a 30km radius around it. Belgian rail infrastructure manager Infrabel is to play a leading part in the development of the RER through several investments on the main rail arteries.

Extension of the capacity

The frequency of service (a train every 15 minutes at peak times), which is the biggest advantage of the RER, will mean expanding most lines concerned from two tracks to four. Not only will this increase line capacity, but it will also improve traffic flow by dedicating track to different types of traffic. Two tracks will be set aside for faster trains (IC-IR, peak-time express trains and, where appropriate, certain high-speed trains), while the two other lines will be dedicated to RER and the slower P trains.

The RER will offer car commuters an alternative based on frequent timetables, attractive fares and easy access. Furthermore, the RER will ensure smooth transfer to other transport modes by providing specific bus services to trainless areas as well as parking facilities for bicycles and cars.

Investment and timing

For Infrabel, which is responsible for the construction of this new infrastructure, the RER project represents a total investment of €1.720 billion, much of it provided by the RER fund set up on the initiative of the government and managed by SNCB Holding.

A considerable amount of infrastructure work has already commenced or is to begin shortly on several radial lines in Belgium, where over 120 stations and stopping points will also be upgraded or modernised. The target date for full service on the RER network is set for 2012.

Work in progress

Infrabel is currently active on various fronts in order to build the Réseau Express Régional. The Brussels-Halle (L.96) and Brussels-Leuven (L.36) lines have already been upgraded to four tracks in view of finalizing the high-speed train network toward the French and German borders. Meanwhile, other sites are in progress. Here’s a brief survey:

Schuman-Josaphat Tunnel

Major works were put in hand in Brussels in 2004, between Watermael, Schuman and Josaphat (Meiser). The development of rail infrastructure to the east of Brussels is essential in order to be able to increase the number of trains running across the capital and also to improve the service to the European quarter. Combined use of the Brussels eastern bypass line (L.26) and the tunnel will link the European quarter to most of the country’s main cities (Mechelen/Hasselt and Leuven/Liège links) and to Brussels Airport, while avoiding the very busy Nord-Midi junction.

The most important permanent structure on this line will be a 1.250m dual track tunnel built to link the Brussels-Ottignies line (L.161) to the Halle-Vilvoorde line (L.26). The construction of this rail tunnel is scheduled to start in autumn 2007 and should be finished by 2011. Infrabel undertakes to invest a total sum of €255 million on the Watermael-Josaphat line, which will be completed by 2012.

Brussel-Ottignies (L.161)

In the summer of 2006, Infrabel launched the ‘RER’ work on the Brussels-Ottignies line, between Ottignies station and the Louvain-la-Neuve bifurcation and also at Hoeilaart towards the Forêt de Soignes. Practically speaking, two new tracks will be built – one on either side of the present railway line – and a number of bridges along the line need widening. Work on line 161 involves the three Regions (Walloon, Flemish and Brussels regions) and is scheduled from 2006 until 2012.

Infrabel has taken various measures to reduce the impact of the new railway infrastructure on local residents. Those are environmental measures such as placing new anti-noise screens and digging deeper foundations in order to reduce the noise and vibrations caused by passing trains. By 2012, the railway line between Ottignies and Brussels will consist of four tracks, cutting through the three Regions of the country over a distance of 22.5km. Infrabel’s RER investment on line 161 amounts to €466 million.

Brussels-Nivelles (L.124)

The upgrading to four tracks of line 124 over a distance of 23km between Uccle and Nivelles will bring the maximum speed on this section from 120 to 160kph. Besides renovating eight existing stations and stopping points along this line, Infrabel will also build two new stopping points (Moensberg and Braine-Alliance) with the necessary facilities in view of offering better passenger accommodation.

Work, which stretches over the three Regions, is scheduled to commence early 2007, and by 2012 the RER infrastructure on this important rail link should be completed. Infrabel’s investment on the Brussels-Nivelles line totals €444 million.

Brussels-Denderleeuw (L.50A)

The existing railway line between Brussels and Denderleeuw is the busiest section on the Belgian rail network during peak hours. Therefore, the number of tracks between Brussels-Midi and the Sint-Katherina-Lombeek bifurcation will be extended to four, pushing the speed from 160kph to 200kph. The capacity upgrade is necessary, not only for the RER offer, but also to enhance the reliability of railway installations along this important artery to and from Brussels.

The addition of a third and fourth track over a distance of 15km involves both the Brussels-Capital Region and the Flemish Region. At the same time Infrabel will adapt a number of important engineering structures and also implement specific environmental measures. Besides noise and vibration reducing measures, Infrabel undertakes to incorporate recreational walking and cycling paths as well as natural reserves. RER infrastructure work on line 50A is scheduled to commence in the autumn of 2007. Infrabel’s investment on the Brussels-Denderleeuw line represents €284 million.

The RER as part of Infrabel’s strategy

Not only does the Réseau Express Régional offer better mobility in and around Brussels, it also constitutes a major lever to the capital’s social and economic development. Infrabel’s investments are fully in line with its strategic plan BRIO (Belgian Railway Infrastructure Objectives) to systematically extend the capacity of the Belgian railway network on the major railway arteries. Luc Lallemand, CEO of Infrabel, concludes that the RER meets the basic principle of offering new and modern railway infrastructure to our customers and carrying passengers in the best of circumstances on a daily basis.

About the author

Luc Lallemand is currently CEO of Infrabel and Chairman of the Management Committee, a post which he has occupied since 2004. Prior to this, Mr. Lallemand worked in a number of progressive financial positions for SNCB culminating with the post of chief financial officer from 2002 – 2004. Mr. Lallemand also occupies the role of Director with DE Post and Chairman of the Board of Directors with TUC Rail.