Furrer+Frey was invited to propose, engineer and supply a rigid overhead conductor rail system (ROCS) for the old steel bridge on the rail line. A ROCS was required due to the limited overhead space in this section. The main challenge of this task was to achieve an optimal distribution of the ROCS supports. The bridge has a box-shaped steel structure with an overhead part that is cluttered with diagonal elements, making it challenging to find suitable positions for the drop tubes. By using 2D and 3D planning based on 3D point cloud scans, it was possible to precisely identify the bridge support elements and perform clash detection checks. The results allowed Swietelsky Rail Benelux B.V., the installation contractor, to install the supplied ROCS efficiently. The total length over the bridge is 220 meters, with an operating speed of 125 km/h (maximum 140 km/h) on a 1.5 kV DC line.
To accommodate the geometrical restrictions and the 1.5 kV DC system, a modified version of our lateral conductor rail support with gliding-type suspension and twin insulation was chosen for this project. As it allows for the thermal expansion of the conductor rail, our dilatation device (DILA) was the preferred solution.
Our work relating to the delivery of the ROCS was completed in July 2026. However, other work on this line is still ongoing. The upgraded line is scheduled to open in 2028.
Further information on the project:
https://www.demaaslijn.nl/index.html
https://www.prorail.nl/projecten/maaslijn
https://debouw.app/projects/opwaardering-maaslijn
