Freight in Brussels-Midi

Huh ? Freight in Brussels-Midi ? No , that isn't possible.Or is it ?
Yes , of course , there is an exception.Normally , Brussels-Midi is an all-passenger station and
doesn't normally see freight trains pass , freight trains from the south to the north or vice-versa are rerouted
through Lines 26 and 28 , which avoid Brussels completely. (with exception of Etterbeek and other Brussels
suburbs.)

The reason that freight isn't allowed straight through Brussels is because of the North-South junction is already full
during rush hours , and a few freight trains between that and it will collaps completly.
Another reason is that the North-South junction isn't designed for freight.It has some very sharp curves
and could cause to derail a freight train.

But fine , to the point now.The only freight train that passes through the North-South junction is a train
with carparts for the Volkswagen Vorst plant.Volkswagen Vorst hasn't a connection on the Line 26 and it
must pass through Brussels itself to reach to the northern side of Brussels.

The car in front of the picture is a (privatly-owned) Transwaggon Habbis.

Bruxelles-Midi TGV, 11/10/2004.

Photo by : Denis Verheyden Visit www.nmbsforum.be for train discutions.