Belgian infrastructure operator Infrabel has launched an extensive renewal project for the LGV1 high-speed rail (HSR) line between Brussels and the French border near Lille, which is scheduled to run for ten years. The line, which was inaugurated in 1997 and carries around 100 trains a day at a speed of 300 km/h between Belgium and France, has shown signs of ageing in recent years. Renovation work has now begun on the first phase, the section between Leuze and Brugelette. This involves the complete renewal of one of the two tracks over a length of 17.6 km. A 1 km long and 4,000 t heavy work train from Austrian supplier Swietelsky, which is capable of renewing 180 m of track per hour, is being used. The train, which is operated by 70 technicians, is in operation 12 hours a day, with the remainder of the day being used for necessary maintenance work. The total budget for the project is €310 million and is part of Infrabel's multi-year investment plan approved by the Belgian government in December 2022. The renewal of LGV1 is scheduled to be completed by 2035.
