Rail works in Mechelen enter New Phase

Railway works in Mechelen: On a chilly December day, I had the opportunity to attend the press conference and tour the works at Mechelen station (Belgium). The project, which is part of a large-scale renewal of rail infrastructure, is entering a new phase at the turn of the year. Last Sunday, Platform 1 was officially commissioned. Here you can read all about the recent milestones and what is planned in the coming years.

A Fully Accessible Platform 1

On Nov. 4, the renovated and elevated Platform 1 was officially inaugurated. Travelers can now reach this platform via escalators, elevators and wide fixed stairs, significantly improving accessibility. The new design exudes modernity with light tiles combined with dark, tactile walkways for added safety.

“The facades are already there. The front city side and the Arsenal side rising above the station, those are already part of a new landmark” clarified Bart Crols as NMBS spokesman. “From 2025 we will move to the other side of the station. We keep shifting sides for the works. And then the per ounces 9 and 10 come up. The tracks there are being renewed by Infrabel colleagues. As SNCB, we are working on the integral accessibility of both platforms. This will be finished by the end of 2026. To then finally land with a fully integral multimodal station of Mechelen in 2030 after finishing all the remaining works. So we are up to speed as it should be” said Bar.

Platform 2: A temporary solution

Since December 15, Platform 2 has also been operational. This platform is temporarily accessible via temporary stairs and an elevator. Although the final (rolling) stairs will not be installed until the next phases, this platform already provides three passages to the old Platform 3. It marks the completion of the first of a total of five track phases.

Track phase 2: Start of an ambitious renewal

Focus on Platforms 8, 9 and 10

Work is moving to the Arsenal side of the station, where renewal of platforms 8, 9 and 10 is on the agenda. Demolition of old tracks and platforms, including the characteristic canopies, began in early December. Valuable elements, such as nameplates from Mechelen, were safely transferred to the SNCB heritage in Schaerbeek. Read more below the photos

Innovative approach with Diagonal and Tower cranes

To address the logistical challenges of this large-scale operation, a new access ramp has been constructed at the level of the future Diagonal. This road will facilitate material transport and serve as a supply route for concrete, steel and other construction materials. In time, two tower cranes in the old rail boxes will provide efficient movement of materials.

What can travelers expect?

Minimal disruption during the works

During the second track phase, travelers will experience little inconvenience. A temporary container path in the old station hall will provide safe access to platforms 8, 9 and 10. Although noise, dust and vibrations cannot be completely avoided, the Less Nuisance Team is working on measures to limit the inconvenience.

Unlike the construction of a new train station In Ghent which is not going so smoothly, in Mechelen things are running smoothly so that travelers experience little inconvenience. Mechelen sits on the most important rail link in our country, the major connection between Antwerp and Brussels, of which we are the center. “Of course you can’t say we’ll put all those tracks out of service and we’ll finish that in one go. It has to be done track by track So far, I think the SNCB has handled it very well” says Bart Somers.

A View of the Future Train Station

The renovated platforms 9 and 10 will have the same look as platforms 1, 2, 11 and 12, with light tiles, tactile walkways and a canopy with natural light. In addition, the tracks themselves will be completely renewed by Infrabel, including ballast, sleepers, rails and catenaries.

“I think that any Mechelen resident who sees this will be pleased that this is an incredible leap forward for train users” says Bart Somers as Mayor of Mechelen. “Every step we take is a step forward. It takes a long time, we all agree, but at the same time we know that it has to be done in stages. Now beginning the next phase“.

Future developments

Escalators and Station Hall

An important part of Track Phase 2 is the installation of escalators to Platform 11, which has been operational since 2020. In addition, a permanent staircase and escalator will be installed next to the Kiss & Ride on Level -1, providing access to the future station concourse on the ground floor.

Looking at 2030

If all goes according to plan, the new platforms 9 and 10 will be ready for use by the end of 2026. This will be followed by platforms 3 and 4 on the city side, while construction of the station square will be the final phase. The entire station project, including the bypass, tangent and guarded bicycle parking should be completed by 2030. The price tag of this large-scale project is estimated at half a billion euros.

The transformation of Mechelen Station reflects the city’s ambition to become a modern and multifunctional mobility hub. With each new milestone, completion comes closer, and as a Mechelen resident, I am proud to witness this impressive metamorphosis. Malinois does question whether a state-of-the-art station with large arches really needs to be so spectacularly large.

According to the mayor, yes “I think this is a station that is sized for a city of 90,000 inhabitants. So one of the biggest stations, and first train station in Belgium, you can’t forget that. This is a place where a lot of transportation comes together. There are several bike lanes and bike highways here that start here. You have a big underground parking lot here in 2030. You have a very large bus station here. We have twelve rail lines. There are few stations that have twelve rail lines. We’re kind of the most connected station in our country. Our city deserves something like that lol. Why should we as Malinois not be allowed to have a station that has a certain charisma that suits our city” concludes Bart Somers

Don’t want to miss anything about the construction of the new station ? Then keep following me because a lot more information will follow in the next few years. Also be sure to take the time to visit my YouTube channel Traveltopper with lots of interesting videos about Mechelen. Don’t miss a single one. Subscribe to Traveltopper YouTube for free !