VENLO - On Thursday 5 March, Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen will deliver new and upgraded rail in Venlo. That is also when construction will start on what could become the largest inland rail terminal in the Netherlands. It is expected to be operational in September 2020. Renewed tracks and rail terminal together ensure even better accessibility of the Venlo-Venray region.
The festive handover marks the completion of the slip roads of the existing main track and the start of construction of the rail terminal. The rail terminal will soon be able to load and unload 12 trains per day. As one train has the same capacity as 56 trucks, new track and rail terminal will relieve road traffic in the region.
Environment
The rail terminal is fully electrically accessible and not only provides even better accessibility to the Venlo-Venray region. Due to the reduction of CO2, particulates and NOx, rail transport is better for the environment than road transport.
Financing track adjustments
As the new and relocated track is part of the main infrastructure, the responsible authorities will take on the financing of 50 million. Central government 50%, province of Limburg 40% and municipality of Venlo 10%.
Planning
After preparations started in 2012 with the drafting of a structural vision and site studies, tendering, contracting and preparations in the area followed in the following years. In 2018, for instance, a 200-year-old Linden tree was successfully relocated.
