Hidden beneath Brussels lies a marvel of engineering the Schuman-Josaphat tunnel. This isn’t just any tunnel. It’s a vital artery in the city’s transport system. A 1250-meter-long double-track rail tunnel. It opened on April 4 2016. A key part of Brussels’ ambitious Regional Express Network. This project aimed to improve the city’s public transport.
The tunnel connects two important lines. Line 161 which runs from Brussels to Namur and line 26 which runs from Halle to Vilvoorde. This strategic link helps alleviate congestion. It offers a faster route between the European Quarter and the airport. The journey time has been drastically reduced. It now takes less than 15 minutes instead of half an hour. No more changes at Brussels-North station.
Construction began in June 2008. The project was initially estimated to take 1645 days. The work involved two phases. First digging out the tunnel shell. This was completed by late 2011. Then equipping the tunnel with tracks. That stage lasted longer than planned finishing in 2014. The opening was delayed initially to December 2015. The Brussels lockdown caused further delays. The final opening was on April 4 2016.
The cost of this project was considerable. It amounted to 210 million euros. The Belgian Federal State and the Brussels Region funded the project through Beliris. Infrabel managed the construction. Innovative construction methods were used. They minimized disruption to local residents. The work was carried out without opening from the surface. They avoided using a tunnel boring machine. Instead they opted for hand digging and small excavators. This reduced surface disruption. The Cortenbergh road tunnel was built with extra deep foundations to prepare for the rail tunnel underneath.
The Schuman-Josaphat tunnel is more than just a railway line. It is a testament to engineering ingenuity. It showcases Brussels’ commitment to improving its infrastructure. This impressive feat of engineering improves transport links. It reduces travel time and improves connectivity. It helps to support the economic vibrancy of Brussels. The tunnel stands as a symbol of modern Brussels. It is both a vital transport link and a fascinating piece of its history.