European Gateway Services adjusts timetable

The Betuwe Line, the dedicated freight railway linking Rotterdam and Amsterdam with Germany, has always been blunted by the outmoded rail infrastructure on the German side of the border around Monchengladbach and Emmerich, with many at grade crossings, busy passenger services, etc.

Finally, however, major works are under way between Emmerich and Oberhausen and they will run until 2022. The project consists of the following components:*

• laying a third track of 70 km and a fourth track of 3 km
• constructing 74 km of noise barriers
• upgrading 11 stations
• constructing or modifying 47 overpasses and bridges
• replacing 55 level crossings with 38 flyover crossings

As of the 6th of June, the rail shuttle of EGS between Rotterdam and Duisburg will run according to a new schedule. The adjusted timetable allows EGS to anticipate work related to the construction of the third track on the Betuweroute. In the new schedule, the shuttle offers a daily connection between the Maasvlakte (ECT Delta Terminal and Euromax Terminal Rotterdam) and the inland terminal of EGS in Duisburg (DeCeTe).

Depending on cargo volumes, one train can be deployed as an additional train between Rotterdam and EGS Venlo (TCT Venlo). The EGS trains from and to Duisburg and Venlo use both the Betuweroute and the Brabantroute. As a result, disruptions related to the construction of the third track on the Betuweroute will be kept to a minimum. As is the case for the connection Rotterdam-Venlo, Rurtalbahn is the traction provider and the e-loc in EGS colours will now also run on the Rotterdam-Duisburg route.

Other service providers are also making adjustments, but WorldCargo News is unaware of the details. The Dutch Government has advised:

• trains to central and southern Germany and Italy should use the rail border crossing at Venlo if possible
• trains to eastern and northern Germany and Scandinavia should use the border crossing at Oldenzaal if possible
• trains containing hazardous substances should use the Betuwe Line if possible

*Source: Dutch Government