Beneath our feet, a hidden artery pulses with the rhythm of Brussels. This is the Schuman tunnel. It is also known as Tunnel Schuman or Schumantunnel. The Schuman tunnel stretches 970 meters. That’s over 3,180 feet. It efficiently carries rail traffic beneath the city.
The Schuman tunnel is not just a passage. It’s a vital part of Brussels’ infrastructure. Line 161 runs through it. This double-track line connects Brussels to Namur. Trains zip through here at a limit of 50 km/h. That’s about 31 mph.
Its northern portal begins near Chaussée de Louvain station. This station is in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode. The southern end terminates at Brussels-Schuman railway station. Imagine the trains passing behind the iconic Berlaymont building. The Berlaymont building is the headquarters of the European Commission.
Heading north, the Schuman tunnel is followed by the Deschanel tunnel. Then comes the Schuman-Josaphat tunnel. These tunnels form a network. They enable smooth rail transport throughout Brussels.
But here’s a tribute to history. The Schuman tunnel is named after Robert Schuman. He was a founding father of the European Union. He also helped to establish the Council of Europe and NATO. The Schuman tunnel is a reminder of his enduring influence.
A separate but related feat of engineering, the Schuman-Josaphat tunnel, extends 1,250 meters. It came into service on April 4, 2016. This tunnel links line 161 to line 26. This connection occurs near the Cinquantenaire tunnel.
The Schuman-Josaphat tunnel is a key part of the Brussels Regional Express Network. It significantly cuts travel time to the airport. Journeys from the European Quarter now take less than 15 minutes. That used to take half an hour with a change at Brussels-North station.
The construction of the Schuman-Josaphat tunnel cost an estimated €210 million. Beliris, a joint venture, funded the project. Infrabel managed it.
Unusual techniques minimized disruption during construction. The digging occurred without opening the tunnel from the surface. Small excavators were used instead of a tunnel boring machine. The Cortenbergh road tunnel has extra deep foundations. This accommodates the rail tunnel beneath it.
Jan De Nul Group contributed to this complex project. They built railway viaducts. They installed vibration-damping systems. They also handled technical and electromechanical works. They laid tracks and installed ventilation systems.
So, as we stand here, remember the Schuman tunnel. It is more than just a tunnel. It embodies Brussels’ connection to European history. It showcases innovative engineering. It streamlines modern transportation.