There are no trains running on the Bettembourg–Scheierbesch section

Luxembourg’s national railway company (CFL) has commenced a critical phase of infrastructure renewal on the line between Bettembourg and Scheierbesch. The scale of the operation is dictated by the need to replace 15 kilometres of track, which has reached the end of its 25-year service life. To carry out work of this magnitude, a unique technical assembly has been deployed: a specialised train 510 metres long and weighing 1,500 tonnes.

The track renewal process involves a complex series of engineering steps overseen by project manager Gilles Kayser. A specialised machine first loosens the fastenings on the old rails, after which they are removed. The system then sequentially removes the worn sleepers, lays new ones and secures the new track. A total of 13,000 wooden sleepers, each weighing 110 kilograms, are to be replaced.

Work is being carried out around the clock in three shifts. The site in Noertzange employs 110 specialists from a specialist French company. According to Kaiser, preparations for a project of this kind begin three years before the start, as closing the main line requires long-term coordination of all schedules. The most intensive phase of the work traditionally takes place in the morning and afternoon – from 06:00 to 14:00.

The renovation work will continue until the end of the Easter holidays. During this period, rail services on this section have been completely suspended. To minimise disruption to passengers, CFL has organised an alternative service: special replacement buses are running between the affected stations.