3RX Corridor
15076
From 2016 to 2017
TML conducted the socio-economic feasibility and social cost-benefit analysis for the feasibility study of the 3RX route. The study included ecological and technical feasibility analyses, cost estimates, and stakeholder analyses, with the aim of informing governments on further steps in reactivating the rail link.
The Iron Rhine, a rail link between Antwerp and the industrial region of the Ruhr in Germany, was operational from 1879 to 1991. Since then, the section on the Netherlands-Germany border has been unavailable; the other parts of the line are still operational. In recent decades, renewed interest in this rail link emerged, especially from private parties in the three countries (ports, shippers), and several studies on the reactivation of the line have been conducted. These studies showed limited benefits for the Netherlands. While some parties were concerned about the negative impact on the environment and quality of life, others saw opportunities for passenger transport.
Based on a historical agreement between the Netherlands and Belgium, an arbitration procedure was followed to share the necessary investment costs. In Germany, too, the revitalisation of the historic line was evaluated and an alternative route along the A52 motorway was developed because of its potential drawbacks. This alternative requires significant investment.
Purpose of this study
As a result of the arbitration procedure and the interest in improving rail connections between North Sea ports and the hinterland, a feasibility study was carried out on a third alternative: the 3RX route (Rhein-Ruhr-Rail Connection). This rail connection makes maximum use of existing operational infrastructure in the three countries. It could be a cost-effective alternative, but investments are certainly needed along the route to ensure operational quality and necessary capacity for international freight traffic. Such improvements could also benefit passenger traffic.
In the 3RX feasibility study, we analysed the technical, environmental, and socio-economic feasibility of this route. Bringing the information on this option to the same level as the other options allowed us to compare the 3RX rail link with the historical route and the A52 route. Moreover, comparing the three options with a reference situation gave insight into the socio-economic feasibility. The (updated) information on the three routes should enable governments to take the next steps in this dossier.
This study consisted of
TML was responsible for the socio-economic feasibility and social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) and provided support for the technical and environmental studies.
Planning steering group
The feasibility study started in January 2016 and resulted in a final feasibility report in June 2017. A steering committee representing three national governments and two regional governments (Flanders, North Rhine-Westphalia) oversaw the study. The study was co-financed by the European Commission on behalf of the Flemish Government.
The final report, drawn up in three languages, can be downloaded from our website.
The Iron Rhine, a rail link between Antwerp and the industrial region of the Ruhr in Germany, was operational from 1879 to 1991. Since then, the section on the Netherlands-Germany border has been unavailable; the other parts of the line are still operational. In recent decades, renewed interest in this rail link emerged, especially from private parties in the three countries (ports, shippers), and several studies on the reactivation of the line have been conducted. These studies showed limited benefits for the Netherlands. While some parties were concerned about the negative impact on the environment and quality of life, others saw opportunities for passenger transport.
Based on a historical agreement between the Netherlands and Belgium, an arbitration procedure was followed to share the necessary investment costs. In Germany, too, the revitalisation of the historic line was evaluated and an alternative route along the A52 motorway was developed because of its potential drawbacks. This alternative requires significant investment.
Purpose of this study
As a result of the arbitration procedure and the interest in improving rail connections between North Sea ports and the hinterland, a feasibility study was carried out on a third alternative: the 3RX route (Rhein-Ruhr-Rail Connection). This rail connection makes maximum use of existing operational infrastructure in the three countries. It could be a cost-effective alternative, but investments are certainly needed along the route to ensure operational quality and necessary capacity for international freight traffic. Such improvements could also benefit passenger traffic.
In the 3RX feasibility study, we analysed the technical, environmental, and socio-economic feasibility of this route. Bringing the information on this option to the same level as the other options allowed us to compare the 3RX rail link with the historical route and the A52 route. Moreover, comparing the three options with a reference situation gave insight into the socio-economic feasibility. The (updated) information on the three routes should enable governments to take the next steps in this dossier.
This study consisted of
- an assessment of ecological feasibility,
- an assessment of technical feasibility,
- cost estimates,
- a stakeholder analysis,
- transport projections,
- a social cost-benefit analysis,
- a financial analysis,
- a risk analysis, and
- planning and implementation structures.
TML was responsible for the socio-economic feasibility and social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) and provided support for the technical and environmental studies.
Planning steering group
The feasibility study started in January 2016 and resulted in a final feasibility report in June 2017. A steering committee representing three national governments and two regional governments (Flanders, North Rhine-Westphalia) oversaw the study. The study was co-financed by the European Commission on behalf of the Flemish Government.
The final report, drawn up in three languages, can be downloaded from our website.
