Railworks in Bettembourg on the future Luxembourg-Bettembourg line, a new platform in Howald and crucial repairs on the Northern line. RTL explains why trains were stopped for two months this summer and now back on the rails this Monday morning.

After two challenging months for French cross-border commuters and residents in southern Luxembourg who rely on trains to get to school and work, the CFL announced "the full resumption of rail traffic on Monday, September 16."

"We are delighted to welcome our customers back aboard our trains for the September 2024 return to school," said CFL CEO Marc Wengler on Monday morning. Wengler expressed his gratitude to CFL customers for "their understanding during our summer construction work," as well as to the hundreds of CFL employees and the service providers who ensured the smooth operation of the works.

He also thanked the transport companies that managed the thousands of passengers transported by bus. About ten service providers were involved throughout the summer, carrying out "around 850 bus journeys daily (on weekdays) in both directions."

The CFL confirmed the resumption of traffic only at the last minute, as work continued over the weekend on the rails between Bettembourg and the capital. However, the CFL fulfilled its commitment to reopen the Luxembourg-Bettembourg-Thionville, Luxembourg-Esch/Alzette-Rodange, and Northern lines.

The two months of work, which had been planned in advance, caused a complete suspension of rail traffic between France and Luxembourg, as well as between the southern part of the country and the capital. However, these works have allowed the CFL to "make significant progress in modernising railway infrastructure and expanding the rail network to meet the growing demand and anticipate future needs for train travel, which is central to mobility in Luxembourg," the CFL explained.

The primary objective of these major works, especially those carried out during school holidays, is to "welcome more customers under optimal conditions of safety, punctuality, and comfort," emphasised Wengler.

Major works in Bettembourg and Howald

The suspension of rail traffic from 13 July to 11 August was necessary to allow the National Roads Administration to replace the Emile Hammerel road bridge over the railway tracks near Bettembourg station.

During this period, and a second phase from 12 August to 15 September 2024, the CFL also continued work to transform the Howald railway stop into a multimodal interchange hub.

Work also progressed on constructing a new passenger platform ("Platform II") at Howald station, with one of the two future tracks already built. The new platform is expected to be operational by September 2025.

Additionally, ten switches and 3.5 kilometers of track were renewed, involving the installation of 5,500 sleepers and 25,000 tonnes of ballast. This work facilitated the installation of four tracks at the Luxembourg Station marshalling yard, as well as a dedicated freight transport track at Howald.

Other significant projects included earthworks, foundation and platform construction, and the installation of electric traction and signaling systems. Foundations for 50 catenary poles were also laid over a stretch of 3.5 kilometres.

Out of sight from passengers, work continued at the Luxembourg Storage and Maintenance Centre (CRM) to enable train access from the southern rail network.

Progress on the new Luxembourg-Bettembourg line

On the new Luxembourg-Bettembourg line, several key developments were made over the summer. These included the construction of foundations for catenary poles and the installation of the first catenary gantries near the future connection to Bettembourg station. Further stabilisation of embankments and the installation of fencing to secure access to the future railway line were also completed.

North of Bettembourg station, the ground was stabilised to support the additional weight of the two NBS railway lines and the new ramp that will allow NBS trains to access the flyover structure, enabling them to cross the existing Luxembourg-Bettembourg line at height.

Modernisation of the Northern Line

Rail traffic on the Northern line was interrupted between 31 August and 15 September to carry out modernisation work. After commissioning the first part of the new control station at the end of 2022, the Northern line now has a "new state-of-the-art control station" covering its entire route, replacing the old Ettelbruck station.

To improve the electrical power supply, a new substation was also commissioned in Flebour, further enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the Northern line.