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Modernisation of the Brussels-Luxembourg line (axis 3)

A complete modernisation programme 

Axis 3 links Brussels to the border of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The railway line consists of line 161 (Ottignies – Namur) and line 162 (Namur-border) and runs for a total of 175 km on Belgian territory. The route of this axis has as many as 150 curves. This explains why the reference speed on this international rail axis is only 130 km/h and that speed limits apply in quite a few spots.

Thanks to these major modernisation works, the reference speed can be increased to 160 km/h. Depending on the train type, this could save an estimated 11 to 20 minutes of travel time.

Smoother rail traffic on the Brussels-Luxembourg axis should improve the competitiveness and profitability of the railways and relieve congested motorways of car traffic into or out of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Modernisation works planned 

As a part of rail infrastructure modernisation and capacity expansion, a large number of major works are planned:

  • improving the route by straightening the curves
  • the modernisation of major stations: Jemelle, Gembloux, Ciney, Arlon, as well as technical adjustments in other stations
  • the widening of the space between running tracks to 2.25 m to increase the reference speed to 160 km/h
  • replacement of and/or modifications to structures (bridges/tunnels) whose track clearance envelope is no longer adequate due to the widening of the space between running tracks to 2.25 m
  • draining of the track bed, including reinforcement of rock walls and treatment of rock walls and high embankments in order to minimise maintenance works
  • axis re-electrification and conversion from 3 kV to 25 kV on the route section between Namur and the Luxembourg border with the construction of new substations
  • the removal of a large part of the level crossings on this axis
  • increasing the height of platforms in stations and stops
  • the modernisation of signalling

Current phase: works between Ciney and Haversin

  • modernisation works (re-electrification and civil engineering works)
  • track renewal works
  • removal of level crossings No 88 at Leignon and No 91 at Chapois

Implementation in 4 phases 

The works are proceeding in phases, section by section:

  • Phase 1: Louvain-La-Neuve junction – Namur (Namur railway station not included)
  • Phase 2: Namur (Namur railway station not included) – Ciney
  • Phase 3: Ciney-Hatrival
  • Phase 4: Hatrival – Luxembourg border

Achievements 

• the route sections Namur-Ciney and Hatrival – Luxembourg border have been completely renewed and equipped with new overhead contact lines, in order to switch to 25 kV (voltage conversion – 3 kV to 25 kV – on the route section Hatrival – Luxembourg border – Summer 2022) • civil engineering works to straighten 9 out of 10 curves have been completed • on lines 161 and 162, 63 (out of 80) structures have been renewed and 26 (out of 28) level crossings removed • Jemelle and Gembloux stations have been completely modernised
Co funded by the European Union.
Co funded by the European Union.

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