New TEN-T guidelines enter into force this week

Symbolic picture by Dimitrisvetsikas1969 on Pixabay

The newly approved EU rules on trans-European transport network will enter into force this week and bring our mobility system to the next level.

The new TEN-T rule has many benefits, notably for the rail sector, but there are still some concerns. Industry players say the ERTMS plan should prioritise on-board deployment, while the EU focuses on trackside implementation. The lack of coordination between countries and ERTMS levels is also criticised. The TENtec system, which should simplify EU country-institutional communication, also needs work. The new TEN-T regulation outlines TENtec implementation requirements but does not set a timeline.

Some key points of the Regulation:

Rail travel speed: By 2040, core and extended core passenger railway lines must carry 160 km/h trains.

European train Traffic Management System (ERTMS): The TEN-T network will use a single European signalling system to improve train safety and efficiency. National systems will disappear.

Long-distance rail must connect major airports with over 12 million passengers yearly, making rail a competitive option to domestic feeder flights. For traffic, transhipment terminals will be increased in number and capacity. This involves accommodating 740-meter trains, supporting sustainable travel, and increasing Europe’s combined transport industry.

Urban mobility: All major TEN-T cities will create sustainable urban mobility plans to encourage zero- and low-emission travel.

Alternative fuels: The TEN-T supports hydrogen recharging and refuelling facilities. It supplements the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation for urban nodes and terminals.

Sources: 

European Commission Linked-In 

European Commission Website 

Renovation of one of the most heavily travelled Corridors in Germany started

Symbolic picture by Silberkugel66 on Pixabay

In a completely new project approach, one of Deutsche Bahn’s most important railway lines will be completely closed for months in order to renovate an important problem point in Germany’s ailing rail network and thus make it less susceptible to disruption.

The line between Frankfurt/Main and Mannheim is one of the most heavily travelled corridors in Germany and is considered to be particularly prone to disruption. This is why the section is the first that DB is completely renovating within five months using the completely new concept of general refurbishment.

The city of Mannheim, has worked closely with all parties involved to find good solutions for the infrastructure and stations in the Mannheim area and the replacement services. Mannheim will remain accessible during the closure phase.

Dozens more sections of track are to be modernised from the ground up by 2030 based on this model. Long-distance and goods trains will use diversionary routes during the construction phase. For the first time, a modern and high-quality DB-owned replacement bus fleet is being used for regional transport.

Sources(in German): 

Deutsche Bahn

Tim Neugebauer, Mobility Advisor, City of Mannehim 

Progress in Genoa breakwater construction

Picture by Ports of Genoa

The second caisson of Genoa’s new breakwater was successfully positioned at a depth of 20 metres. The facility, a sophisticated feat of engineering, is beginning to take shape off the coast of the Sampierdarena basin, with building activity underway on multiple fronts, including the deployment of cutting-edge techniques and equipment in terms of innovation and sustainability.

The caisson will be part of the first 4 kilometres of the large-scale maritime infrastructure development, which will eventually span along a 6-kilometer shoreline. The monumental concrete cellular caisson was built in the floating construction site installed at the Port of Vado Ligure and weighs 10,000 tonnes. It measures 21.7 metres in height, 40 metres in length, and 25 metres in width. It was then towed and positioned on the gravel base deposited on the bedrock opposite the Lighthouse. Other significant projects are proceeding on schedule: to date, Consorzio PerGenova has placed over 1.5 million tonnes of gravel, frequently in harsh weather circumstances, and constructed roughly 5,000 massive submerged columns.

To maximise output, the pontoon placed at Vado has been flanked by a big barge, which is expected to triple the number of columns constructed. Furthermore, the search for explosive munitions on the seafloor continues and is expected to be concluded this summer. Furthermore, as construction continues underwater, efforts are being made to fully protect the marine habitat.

Source: 

Ports of Genoa