Agreements Maaslijn
Due to earlier delays on the Maaslijn, Arriva must continue operating diesel trains longer. This has led to significant additional costs. It was previously agreed that the Government and the region would share these costs. After prolonged discussions about the exact amount of these additional costs, the ministry has now confirmed that the Government will contribute a maximum of €44.5 million. This only applies if the Maaslijn is delayed until the end of 2028. According to the current schedule, the Maaslijn will be delivered in December 2027, resulting in a government contribution of €34.4 million. With this agreement, a long-standing dossier for Limburg comes to an end.
Deputy Jasper Kuntzelaers (Mobility): “This agreement is of great importance for Limburg. I am pleased that the Governments contribution for the Maaslijn is now confirmed. With this clarity, we continue to work with confidence on the realization of the improved Maaslijn.”
Agreements other infrastructure projects
A2 Het Vonderen – Kerensheide
Due to extra wildlife passages and delays, the widening of the A2 has been extended and expanded. For this, the minister has allocated additional financial resources. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029. The Province and municipalities are closely involved in this project to ensure, together with Rijkswaterstaat (RWS) and ProRail, that there is as little disruption as possible.
Funds for Limburg infrastructure projects
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) is providing a one-time €50.7 million for three infrastructure projects in Limburg. These concern the Multimodal Corridor Haven Stein, a direct road connection along the railway for freight traffic, exit 49 on the A2 near Stein and Chemelot near gate 7, and access to the Brightlands Health Campus via exit 55 on the A2. These investments address bottlenecks on the A2 and improve accessibility.
A67/A73 Zaarderheiken
During consultations between the region and the Government, agreements were made about the construction of an extra lane on the eastern parallel lane in the northbound direction, between exit 14 Maasbree and junction Zaarderheiken (A67/A73). This measure aims to improve traffic flow on this important route. It was agreed to realize this project as soon as possible.
Local train services
Last December it became clear that the Government will continue its contribution for the decentralized local train services Roermond – Maastricht-Randwyck and Sittard – Heerlen. The contribution is increased from €6 million to €7 million per year. Read more here: Government contribution local train services Limburg continued - Province of Limburg (refers to another website) (opens external website)