Upgraded line 46/2 Emmerich – Oberhausen

The upgraded line 46/2 Emmerich – Oberhausen (also known as the “Betuwe Line”) is a central link in the European freight corridor between Rotterdam and Genoa. It connects the Dutch North Sea ports with the western Ruhr region and plays a key role in the international rail network. However, due to the steadily growing volume of traffic on the north-south axis, the line is edging closer to its capacity limits. 

To increase line capacity and make operations more efficient, the line is undergoing an extensive upgrade. The centerpiece of this major project is a complete upgrade of the existing line to three tracks. The upgrade is divided into five construction stages with a total of twelve planning approval sections. The measures are being implemented gradually and include the construction of new tracks as well as numerous modifications to the existing infrastructure.  

Between 2008 and 2013, the first major modernizations were carried out. As part of these upgrades, the control-command and signaling system has been renewed and the electronic interlocking system has been put into operation in Emmerich, from where traffic is now controlled centrally. In addition, the equipment for the changeover between power systems at the German-Dutch border has been upgraded, which will simplify international train traffic and save time. 

The upgrade covers a total of around 72 kilometers of track, with an additional third track being constructed on 46 kilometers of this. A third and fourth track are also being added over a distance of three kilometers. The work is particularly extensive over a 22-kilometer stretch where all three tracks have to be completely re-laid. In addition, 47 bridges will be modified or newly built, 55 level crossings will be replaced by 38 new bridges and 12 of the 15 stations on the line will be modernized. The platforms will be made accessible in the process. Five stations will also receive special passing sidings for 750-meter-long freight trains. The DB E&C teams have been involved in the project since 2007 in the planning and environmental and geoservices areas and have also been providing active support in construction supervision since 2019.  

A general overhaul of the existing infrastructure is being carried out simultaneously with the line upgrade project, focusing on the existing tracks in construction stages 4 and 5. The 46/2 rail line upgrade serves as an anchor project here, with the construction work being coordinated in such a way that the work windows for the line upgrade are simultaneously used for the overhaul of the infrastructure in order to avoid additional track closures. As part of the general overhaul, DB E&C is monitoring, for instance, superstructure measures, the dismantling of old signal systems and the creation of construction site facilities from an environmental perspective.

Project data

• 72 km long line 
• Five construction stages divided into twelve planning approval sections 
• Expansion and conversion of the rail infrastructure through 
  • 46 km construction of a new third track adjacent to two existing ones 
  • 22 km construction of three new tracks 
  • 3 km construction of a new third and fourth track adjacent to two existing ones 
• Upgrades of 12 of the 15 stations on the line  
  • Accessible reconstruction of the platforms 
• Upgrading/new construction of 47 railroad and road overpasses 
• Demolition of 55 level crossings including replacement measures 

Scope of services

• Design
  • Project design for nonbuilding structures 
  • Technical design for supporting structure planning 
  • Project design for transport facilities 
  • Technical design for electrical power systems 
  • Technical design for overhead line equipment 
  • Technical design for control-command and signaling systems 
  • Project design for outdoor facilities 
• Services related to the submission of construction documents  
• Environmental and Geoservices
  • Environmental planning services 
  • Geotechnical engineering  
  • Hydrogeology  
  • Waste management  
• Technical construction supervision for all technical disciplines (superstructure/structural engineering, 50 Hz electrical engineering, overhead line equipment, control-command and signaling) including environmental construction supervision  
• Construction and operations planning: construction phase planning for all construction stages 
• Design review of overhead line equipment and electrical power systems