Movares has been increasingly active in new markets, such as power transmission and distribution. At this page you will find the highlights of projects of Movares Nederland B.V.
HSL and Betuweroute
Both these major projects demanded considerable additional effort from Movares during 2005. Work included the junctions with existing track, and a large number of track possessions were required to test these. We also worked hard on the train control system for the Betuweroute, in conjunction with Alstom. The Betuweroute will use the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). There is still much to do if the line is to be completed in 2006.
System integration
We also won an attractive system integration contract for the Betuweroute. A railway line consists of several related systems, such as signalling, control, communications, overhead line, traction power and tunnel equipment. All these systems can affect each other, and all must be perfectly integrated if the Betuweroute is to operate safely.
Hanzelijn
Movares won two contracts to support rail infrastructure manager ProRail, the body that commissioned this line. The first was to provide expertise on civil engineering aspects of the track substructure. The second was for station development: connections to existing track at Lelystad and Zwolle, together with a number of stations along the route. The two contracts will run until 2012.
Zuiderzeelijn
The Lower House of the Dutch parliament has requested a study into the need for the line. We supported the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management in the carrying out of that analysis.
Woerden-Harmelen
The Woerden-Harmelen line has been upgraded from two tracks to four, increasing capacity significantly. The upgrading operation also constitutes an important step towards completing the RandStadSpoor – the line to link in new suburbs of Utrecht, such as Leidse Rijn. More four-track lines are required to permit the running of more frequent stopping services.
Utrecht Centraal
A completely new concept and a redesign of both the station and the adjacent buildings – that is what awaits Utrecht Centraal Station. The Hoog-Catharijne shopping centre, the Jaarbeurs exhibition centre/theatre complex and Catharijnesingel (a complex road/canal structure) are also affected. A high-quality station will emerge here between 2007 and 2015, with particularly efficient interchange between different modes of transport. We submitted the final design at the end of 2005.
Black Beauty
2005 saw completion of a rail bridge near Eefde. This black bridge stands out on account of the material used (steel), its colour and its contemporary styling. In addition to the construction of this new bridge, the project involved optimizing the track layout and increasing vertical clearance for shipping by a metre.
The railway bridge near Oosterbeek was also completed in 2005. The approach to this bridge runs through water meadows and forms part of the water retention system. As part of a programme to create space for the river, Holland Railconsult included openings in the structure that would allow the river to flow more freely and reduce the flood level of the Lower Rhine. In addition, the bridge was renovated in such a way as to reduce noise.
High-voltage lines
Power distributor TenneT has commissioned Movares to design a new generation of electricity pylons with a vastly reduced magnetic field. The new pylons are partly made of plastic and the high-voltage lines are suspended differently. A further advantage of the plastic electricity pylon is that it is much easier to maintain. For us, this new development is an opportunity to enter the power transmission and distribution market.