Aarsleff Rail to rebuild Aarhus Central Station for Banedanmark
In the coming two years, Aarsleff Rail will be responsible for the extensive renewal of Aarhus Central Station to make room for masts and overhead lines, thereby future-proofing train operations in Denmark.
On 4 February, Banedanmark signed a contract with Aarsleff Rail A/S for the renewal of Aarhus Central Station.
The extensive renewal works at Aarhus Central Station will commence at the end of March and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Banedanmark describes the project as crucial for the future-proofing of Denmark’s long-distance railway network. In addition to shorter travel times, the project will enable the replacement of diesel-powered trains with electric trains on the final stretch into the capital of Jutland.
In early December, the two parties also signed a contract for the establishment of depot and work areas in preparation for the project itself.
A Broad Range of Expertise in Play
The renewal of Aarhus Central Station encompasses nearly all of Aarsleff Rail’s competencies within railway construction. We will renew tracks, move earth, reroute cables, build platforms, and upgrade the signalling systems. All of this will naturally be carried out with a strong focus on railway safety, ensuring that our skilled employees can work safely throughout the project.
“We look forward to an exciting and significant project in Aarhus in collaboration with Banedanmark. We have experience with the renewal of several of Denmark’s busiest stations, such as Copenhagen Central Station and Østerport Station, as well as a number of others that presented similar challenges. At the same time, we are pleased to contribute to reduced air pollution, lower noise levels, and the other benefits that come with the electrification of railway operations,” says Thomas Mollerup, CEO of Aarsleff Rail A/S.
Longer platforms and ready for electric trains
One of the major tasks in the project contract involves relocating all track switches in the railway cutting just before the central station to make room for the renewal and extension of the platforms. Additionally, the tracks will be lowered to allow clearance for overhead line masts and catenary systems beneath the heavily trafficked bridge on M. P. Bruuns Gade—a contract in which Aarsleff Rail is already involved as part of Banedanmark’s electrification programme.
“The contract for the renewal of Aarhus Central Station is significant for Aarsleff Rail. The project is large and complex, environmentally important, and naturally attracts our competent employees who are seeking unique challenges. At the same time, it brings valuable learning to our organisation, which we can apply to future projects,” says Thomas Mollerup.
In total, the two contracts for the renewal of Aarhus Central Station have a combined value of approximately DKK 340 million.