|
 |
 |
RER/GEN:
a state of affairs
|
Realizing the Regional Express Network,
called RER/GEN (for Réseau Express
Régional/Gewestelijk ExpresNet), in and around
Brussels is currently one of TUC
RAIL's most important projects,
together with the Diabolo project (see elsewhere
on this website). The RER/GEN works started in 2005
between Watermael station and Etterbeek station.
But where do we stand today?
|
|
RER/GEN means doubling of track
(from two to four) on Line 161
(Ottignies-Brussels) and on Line 124
(Nivelles-Brussels). Line 161 is further broken
down into two distinct projects, namely P101 (from
Ottignies to Boitsfort) and P012 (the Watermael-Schuman-Josaphat
section), whereas Line 124 is composed of P104 (Nivelles-Lillois)
and P103 (from Braine-Alliance to Moensberg). Doubling
of track of these two lines requires many
infrastructure works, including upgrading or renewal
of track beds, track, overhead lines, bridges, tunnels,
stops and stations.
|
Currently,
the fourth track is being laid
on the Watermaal-Schuman-Josaphat section.
Three sites are completed but five others are still
in progress. This section will be put into service
in September 2008. Remodelling of Schuman
station and construction of the Schuman-Josaphat
tunnel will begin in June 2009. Other sites
are in progress in Hoeilaart and in Ottignies. In
November 2007, TUC RAIL began works in Ottignies
North (Limal-Limelette). Four sites will
be in progress in the Walloon Region by the end
of 2008 (from October).
|
Pede viaduct: simulation |
Work on Line 124 is less advanced.
Peparatory work has been done in
Rhode-St-Genèse for the Vivaqua
Water Company, whose pipes will run through a tube
under the track. In the Walloon Region TUC
RAIL began the sites of Braine-L'Alleud-Waterloo
South in April 2007 and of Nivelles
Centre in November 2007.
|
New RER/GEN stop (chaussée
de Mons in Anderlecht): simulation
|
Line
50A (Denderleeuw-Brussels) also belongs to
the RER/GEN project, at least for the greater part.
Line 50A is part of this project from the Sint-Katharina-Lombeek
junction up to Brussels South (P106). This part of
the line will also be doubled (from two to
four tracks). However, from the infrastructure
of Brussels South station the line belongs to the
capacity extension project for Brussels South
(P211). Later of course, all these lines
will form part of the RER/GEN.
|
Several TUC RAIL
units are taking part in the RER/GEN project since
so many aspects have to be dealt with: project management,
design of structures, major earthworks, drainage,
track, installations, phasing studies, temporary shut
down of lines, drawing up of specifications, daily
management.
For
further information please visit:
http://www.tucrail.be/en/projects/rer.htm
http://www.tucrail.be/en/info/bridges_RER.htm
http://www.tucrail.be/en/info/rer_project.htm
|
|
 |
|
