DUTCH infrastructure manager ProRail awarded a contract to Strukton and BAM on September 2 to install ETCS lineside equipment on the non-electrified lines in the provinces of Groningen and Friesland, in the north of the Netherlands.
Strukton is supported by engineering company Arcadis and BAM by Nexus Rail. BAM and Nexus Rail will install ETCS on the 50km Leeuwarden - Stavoren line while Strukton and Arcadis will install ETCS on the 25km Leeuwarden - Harlingen Haven line. Splitting the work will give the contractors greater experience of installing ETCS, as this is a pilot project for the rollout of ETCS on the other secondary lines in the two provinces.
Work will start in 2026 and consists of installing cables, ETCS balises, and axle-counters and commissioning the new signalling system. The latest version of ETCS will be installed on the Leeuwarden - Harlingen Haven line, as this project is part of the test strategy for national ERTMS programme. The work will include modifications to track and rolling stock fitment as well as staff training.
After ETCS becomes operational, the current ATB-NG Class B signalling system will be decommissioned. ETCS will then be installed on the remaining lines in the area, radiating from Leeuwarden and Groningen.
