Results of the project: High Speed Train Connect Amsterdam

Dijk en Waard finished the preliminary phase, the Works phase started by the removal of the level crossing in January 2025. Also in Alkmaar and Zaanstad, the projects have been completed. Project results have been delivered. All these projects are in different project phases. Therefore, the Works phase will start at a later moment. The infrastructural interventions in Alkmaar and Zaanstad are complex, demand various formal procedures and therefore require much preparation time.

As a part of this project, a detailed Cost Benefit Analysis, is conducted by Twynstra Gudde/Decisio.

For large infrastructure projects in the Netherlands, it is mandatory to draw up a social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA). An SCBA is also required for the further substantiation of the European subsidy obtained for the EU CEF project HSTConnect Amsterdam Rail. For this reason, in the context of the progress reports for the fourth study phase of the project, a detailed and integral SCBA has been drawn up for the project. The results of the complete SCBA have been reported on in a separate report.

This SCBA revealed that economic benefits far outweigh the costs. The balance of social costs and benefits calculated in the SCBA amounts to 1.78 billion Euro (in present value, 50-year reference period). There is a benefit/cost ratio of 2.3, which means that for every euro invested in the project, a social return of 2.30 Euro is achieved.

During the project, all results are submitted into the EU portal. In the context of the project, working group sessions, steering group meetings and final event are organised, project documents adopted and submitted.

This project is focused on the realisation of grade-separated intersections on the Helderseweg (Alkmaar), Zuidtangent (Heerhugowaard), Guisweg (Zaanstad) and Beverwijksestraatweg (Castricum).

The future of the Amsterdam - Heerhugowaard railway line extends further. With the implementation of modern techniques such as ERTMS and automatic train control (ATO), the line will become faster and more reliable. These innovations, combined with open access for various carriers and possible international connections, make the corridor ready for the mobility of tomorrow. The travel time between Alkmaar and Amsterdam will be substantially reduced, making the region even more intertwined with the capital's international connectivity. 

These investments in the Amsterdam-Heerhugowaard railway line thus make a crucial contribution to the broad prosperity of the entire northern Randstad, with a social return that is many times higher than the initial investment. It is an investment in a future in which accessibility, sustainability and quality of life go hand in hand.

Download here: CEF CBA - Final report (pdf, 752 KB) Rapport MKBA Previous article (in Dutch):

Closing event December 18th 2024 Alkmaar & Level crossing Zuidtangent Dijk en Waard closed

Project-partner: Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)

Project-partner gemeente Zaanstad:

Project-partner: Vervoerregio Amsterdam

Project-partner: gemeente Alkmaar

Project-partner: gemeente Dijk en Waard