Crossing complex for GVB: designed for maximum availability at Amsterdam Zuid
Intensive metro traffic, limited space and hardly any time for maintenance: at Amsterdam Zuid, all challenges of urban public transport come together. For GVB’s M3 and M4 metro lines, the crossing complex was designed and manufactured by our sister organisation voestalpine Turnout Technology Netherlands B.V., specifically with a view to long-term availability under these conditions.
For the metro M100 construction phase of GVB in Amsterdam, we are supplying a crossing complex. This crossing will be integrated into metro lines M3 and M4 and forms part of an extensive step-by-step plan for the expansion of Amsterdam Zuid station. We are delivering this project together with our sister organisation voestalpine Turnout Technology Netherlands B.V. and Swietelsky Rail Benelux, on behalf of Project Zuidasdok, one of the most extensive and complex infrastructure projects in the Netherlands. The application is located in the immediate vicinity of Amsterdam Zuid station, where intensive metro traffic, limited installation space and high availability requirements converge.
On behalf of voestalpine Track Solutions Netherlands, we have been responsible for the sales, delivery and, above all, the logistical coordination. We closely align delivery and execution with the phasing of Zuidasdok and the planned possessions. In this way, we ensure that the works seamlessly match the schedule and that the impact on metro traffic and passengers is kept to a minimum.
A market with increasingly stringent requirements
The metro and tram market is evolving. Urban public transport networks are being used more intensively, while the available time and space for maintenance are becoming increasingly limited. At the same time, sustainability objectives and life cycle costs are playing a growing role in investment decisions. Infrastructure managers are looking for solutions that are reliable, have a long service life and contribute to a future-proof network.
For customers such as GVB, this translates into a clear need for robust turnout systems with high geometrical stability, minimal maintenance sensitivity and predictable behaviour under heavy and dynamic loads. Particularly in metro applications, where turnouts are frequently used and often integrated in tunnels, structures and complex nodes, reliable and long-term availability is essential.
Design choices that make the difference
For this crossing complex, a design with synthetic sleepers from Lankhorst Engineered Products was chosen. These sleepers are made of 100% recycled plastic and combine a long service life with good damping properties and a favourable weight. Due to their dimensions, they are also well suited for applications with limited installation space, such as within the existing metro alignment at Amsterdam Zuid.
In combination with our turnout technology and engineering expertise, this results in a turnout system specifically tailored to the boundary conditions of metro traffic. Force transmission, stiffness and geometry have been designed in such a way that the turnout remains stable over a long period and requires less maintenance. Especially at a location where access is limited and possessions are scarce, this delivers tangible value.
From customer requirement to future-proof solution
The selected solution directly aligns with the needs of the market and the infrastructure manager. By reducing maintenance sensitivity and ensuring stability, the turnout contributes to high track availability. At the same time, the application of synthetic sleepers supports the broader development towards sustainable and circular solutions within urban public transport.
For GVB, this means a turnout system that is suitable for intensive use, performs predictably and evolves in line with the requirements of today and tomorrow.
From engineering to delivery as a system
Our sister company voestalpine Turnout Technology Netherlands developed and designed this crossing complex with a focus on turnouts and engineering for intensive metro traffic. In the meantime, we ensure that the high-quality turnout systems are not only delivered, but also deployed as a complete system at the right time and in the right place, aligned with the operational practice of infrastructure managers and contractors.
Would you like to learn more about the design choices and application of this turnout concept? Please contact Roy Versluis, Key Account Manager.
