Infrabel tests new Diabolo railway infrastructure
Posted: 24 April 2012 | | No comments yet
Testing of the Diabolo railway infrastructure is the final step in obtaining authorisation to put the new railway connection into service…
Testing of the Diabolo railway infrastructure is the final step in obtaining authorisation to put the new railway connection into service. After this, on 10 June 2012, the northern railway access to Brussels Airport will be fully operational.
Diabolo railway connection
Diabolo is the railway connection between the Brussels National Airport station and the new Schaerbeek – Mechelen line (line 25N) on the central reservation of the E 19 motorway. Following on from the Nossegem curve (late 2005), this is the next step toward further improving the accessibility of our national airport by rail.
The Diabolo connection was achieved by means of a public-private partnership (PPP). The overall investment is € +/- 540 million, in which the Northern Diabolo NV (private partner) invests EUR +/- 290 million in the underground railway line. In addition, Infrabel is investing EUR +/- 250 million (of state funding) in the surface railway line on the central reservation of the E19.
Diabolo tests
In the summer of 2007, Infrabel started preparatory work on the laying of the new railway line on the central reservation of the E19. Somewhat later, the actual Diabolo works commenced in and around the airport. All construction and railway works have been completed since the start of 2012.
Since early 2012, Infrabel and its engineering consultancy, TUC RAIL, have been testing the new railway infrastructure of Diabolo and line 25N. Infrabel included its brand new ETCS train EM202 in the tests.
Diabolo operational on 10 June
Tests must be undertaken in order to obtain authorisation to operate the new railway infrastructure from the Railway Safety and Interoperability Department, certified by Belgorail.
After receiving authorisation, Infrabel will make the new railway infrastructure available to railway operators, so that it can be put to commercial use on 10 June.
On 7 June, together with all partners involved, Infrabel will officially inaugurate Diabolo in the presence of King Albert II.