Dutch railway manager ProRail has awarded the contract for part of the extension and renewal of the MerwedeLingelijn to Strukton Rail. The work on this light-rail connection between Gorinchem and Dordrecht Stadspolders started at the beginning of June 2010.
The Province of Zuid-Holland wants the number of passengers on the Merwede-Lingelijn to have doubled by 2018. Doubling of the track is required to accommodate this growth. In addition, the quality standard as to comfort and safety at existing stations will be improved and three new stations will be built: Sliedrecht Baanhoek, Giessendam West and Gorinchem Papland. New passing tracks will be built at the existing stations of Dordrecht Stadspolders and Boven Hardinxveld.
The activities of Strukton Rail are taking place between Gorinchem and Dordrecht Stadpolders. The contract consists of both track renewal and the construction of new track. Strukton Rail will lay 22 kilometres of rails and 17,000 sleepers, replace or construct 9 points, extend platforms and build new stations. The construction of safety systems, cabling and wiring and the catenary system are also part of the contract. The ballast will be reused where possible. Strukton Rail’s activities will be completed in December 2011.