ProRail Upgrades Coevorden Signalling to Fast-Track Dutch-German Passenger Trains

The Netherlands–Germany rail link has entered major construction. ProRail is starting work on a cross-border railway connection between the two countries. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

According to ProRail, the project covers a line from Coevorden to Bad Bentheim in Germany. Coevorden is in the province of Drenthe in the northeastern Netherlands. It is located about 2 km from Germany’s western border. The route will pass through Lower Saxony.

The works are intended to allow cross-border rail traffic from December 2026. Passenger trains will return to this route for the first time in 87 years.

Coevorden station works for the Netherlands–Germany rail link

A main part of the project is the expansion of Coevorden station. Contractor Dura Vermeer is carrying out the works. They include the construction of an extra platform on the Holwert side of the railway line.

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Trains operated by Bentheimer Eisenbahn will be able to stop at and depart from this platform. The company provides both passenger and freight services, especially in the border area with the Netherlands.

Also, the project includes an additional German rail safety system at Coevorden station. Tracks, switches, and signals will be modified to let trains enter and leave the station more quickly.

These changes will create more space and a time buffer in the timetable. In addition, they will make service on the Vechtdallijnen more reliable. The regional rail connection is nearly 50 km long. It links Zwolle, Ommen, and Emmen.

Further station works are also planned. A new entrance will be built on the western side of the station. It will give access to the new platform. An elevator will also be installed to connect with the tunnel in the center of Coevorden.

Planning and rail traffic disruption in Coevorden

Site preparation is scheduled to begin in mid-May. The worksite will be set up between the railway tracks and the Van Gend & Loos building. The source describes it as a historic structure housing a transport and logistics company. Construction of the platform is due to start in early June.

As RailwayPro reported, work will take place in November during specific scheduled periods. During one nine-day period, all rail traffic to and from Coevorden will be suspended.

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