(27 September 2019) – The EU is investing over €117 million in 39 key transport projects that will help build missing connections across the continent, while focusing on sustainable transport modes.
Eight projects contribute to reducing rail freight noise in the EU by upgrading rail wagon braking systems. The quieter and more efficient brakes result in better energetic performance of trains, but also better living conditions to those living close by railway tracks. Almost 75,000 freight railway wagons will be upgraded as part of these eight projects.
Furthermore, the call also supports rail infrastructure projects aiming at upgrading existing railway lines, like the electrification of the line from Vienna to the Hungarian border (€2.9 million for the studies) or the cross-border section of the line between Bremen (Germany) and Groningen (the Netherlands) worth €12.7 million in EU support.
Lastly, a large group of projects involve upgrading infrastructure within EU ports to foster multimodality and lowering emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. In the port of Oulu (Finland) the EU will support the extension and construction of railway tracks and of a quay to accommodate longer trains (€2.1 million), whilst in the port of Civitavecchia (Italy) the last mile of railway track will be upgraded and directly connected to the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) thanks to support worth €3.8 million.