Starting from March 31, 2023, the metro will run from Rotterdam Centrum to the beach in Hoek van Holland. Just like all other parts of the RET (Rotterdamse Elektrische Tram) route, Batenburg is involved in the Rail Infrastructure and camera security of the Metro aan Zee. This ensures a safe journey to the beach from spring 2023.
Rail Infrastructure
The Hoekselijn track has been converted from heavy rail to light rail. Additionally, the final section of the track that runs through the dunes, called Metro aan Zee, has been elevated to prevent disruptions caused by blowing sand. This presented some challenges.
Rail Cable Shoe
The cable shoe that connects the return cable to the Cembre rail contact has been specifically developed for this particular section of the track due to the space constraints caused by reinforcing the elevated rail tracks. These cable shoes meet all railway requirements and have been modified to fit into the designed spaces. They have been specially developed for Metro aan Zee in collaboration with our supplier, Cembre.
More information about rail infrastructure?
Frank Plukker
Accountmanager
More information about security technology?
Bart van de Sanden
Batenburg Techniek
Cable sets for return currents
To prevent theft, the cable sets we produce and supply are made of aluminum. These sets are used to redirect the return currents to the return current transformers. The cable shoe positions, lengths of these cable sets, and their composition have been jointly determined with the client.
Tensioning contact wire using Tensorex C+
Even in the final section of the overhead line, the contact wire is kept under tension using the Tensorex C+. This is an automatic and low-maintenance spring tensioning system that maintains the desired tension on the suspension and contact wires. The copper overhead line is exposed to temperature changes. By using the Tensorex C+, the resulting length changes are compensated for, ensuring that the contact wire remains properly tensioned with the correct force to maintain the proper electrical connection with the pantograph. This Tensorex C+ system was assembled in collaboration with our supplier Mosdorfer Rail and installed by the project contractor Swietelsky.
Surge arrester
The voltage in the overhead line has been reduced from 1500V DC (ProRail) to the metro voltage of 750V DC. The surge arrester connects conductive objects to the return circuit when they accidentally come into contact with the traction voltage of 750V DC. Our surge arrester has been applied along the entire route.
Camera security
The stations Hoek van Holland Haven and Hoek van Holland Strand, like the other stations of the Hoekselijn, are secured with our camera systems. This includes cameras for social safety and a VIB (Veiligheid Informatie Bord) installation.
Social safety
Our AXIS brand cameras are installed for social safety. They are placed on the platform and in the station's hall. For instance, the security service has visibility of people in the turnstile line where they check-in. These cameras are connected to the local technical room and linked to the RET network.
Visual Entrance Surveillance
The VES installation (Visual Entrance Surveillance) consists of cameras positioned along the metro track and platform. When a metro train approaches, these cameras have a view of passengers boarding and disembarking. These cameras are also connected to the RET network, and through an antenna connection, the footage is displayed to the metro driver upon arriving at the respective station. This allows the metro driver to have real-time communication and oversee the entire platform, enabling them to respond to emergencies such as malfunctioning doors or cater to older passengers. These cameras are online 24/7, ensuring the safety of the metro and are essential because some platforms may not be easily visible due to curvature or elevation of the platform.