Constitutive element of a bridge. The part at each extremity of the bridge on which the arch of the bridge or the apron rests.

Parking parallel to the railway track.

Platform constituting the deck of a bridge. This part of the bridge is supported at its extremities by abutments.

The aggregate of railway tracks where freight trains from domestic destinations or abroad are gathered upon arrival or before departure.

Collaboration between the Belgian federal state and the Brussels-Capital Region which is responsible for Mobility and Transport in Brussels.

Place on the railway network where the track splits into various directions.

Belgian Railway Infrastructure Objectives. Infrabel's strategic plan describing the company's key objectives.

Non-military engineering.

Rails welded to each other at a length of 300 metres. The absence of joints in continuous welded rails ensures more comfort on the ride and less noise pollution.

Damage to the upper side of the rails due to intensive use. Under normal circumstances, a rail is completely level and smooth. Corrugation is the process whereby tiny ridges form on the rail surface, causing vibrations when a train passes over them.

Place where train tracks cross.

Work post for personnel charged with maintenance of the railway infrastructure.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Financial term expressing the performance of a company. 

Viaduct for wildlife passage across the railway track.

People specialised in implementing environmental effect studies.

Report which evaluates the impact and consequences of a railway project on the living environment.

Study which evaluates the impact and consequences of a railway project on the living environment.

Strategic railway line for freight traffic.

Place where two railway tracks branch out at separate levels (e.g. track A runs under track B). This is often achieved through a viaduct.

Place where two railway tracks cross at separate levels (e.g. track A runs below track B). This is often achieved through a viaduct.

Digital communication network reserved for railway companies.

Study which evaluates the impact and consequences of a railway project on the living environment.

Fee paid to Infrabel by railway operators for the use of the railway infrastructure.

Description of the actual state of the premises.

Place where two railway lines branch out at the same level.

Opening up of the railway traffic market. Several companies will be allowed to arrange train traffic in Belgium, thus creating a competitive market.

Centre which organises personnel and material resources required for maintenance and repairs of the infrastructure in a certain zone.

Station where freight containers are being arranged to form complete freight trains. It is the place where cars are being separated and connected to the right train, ensuring that the containers reach the correct destination.

Accounting term.

Freight railway line between the Port of Antwerp and the German Ruhr area.

Hub where various transport modes come together.

Link between the stations Brussels Nord and Brussels Midi.

Power cables above the railway tracks. Trains receive their driving power from contact with these cables.

Public roads alongside the track.

Licence required for the construction of infrastructure.

Railway element that, in accordance with its position, leads trains from one track onto another.

Option to file complaints against a planning permit.

Rail access.

The aggregate of railway tracks where trains are gathered.

Place on the railway network where the track splits into various directions.

Equipment necessary for trains to operate: tracks, overhead wiring, sleepers, signals, etc.

Infrastructure necessary for trains to operate: tracks, overhead wiring, sleepers, signals, etc.

Railway bed. Area that accommodates the railway infrastructure.

Excavation for later placement of foundations. Reinforcing panels placed against the walls of the excavation prevent the structure from collapsing.

Wall that can withstand the pressure of higher ground. It allows for construction of a steep wall on a hill without a risk of the earth subsiding.

Railway track between two locations (e.g. between two stations).

Moving trains or cars on a certain railway terrain, for instance: turning a locomotive; train arrangement; adding cars, etc.

The aggregate of railway tracks where trains are gathered.

Control centre for coordination of train traffic. This is where the signals and switches of a specific railway network region are being controlled in order for trains to safely and quickly reach their destination.

Signals are located alongside the train track and give certain orders to the train driver. We distinguish light signals (comparable to traffic lights) and signs indicating the allowed speed.

Screens placed alongside the tracks to absorb noise, thus reducing noise pollution for local residents.

Walls placed alongside the tracks to absorb noise, thus reducing noise pollution for local residents.

Railway Safety and Interoperability Service. Belgian safety authority.

Engineering term. Man-made structures not intended for occupation, for instance: bridges, viaducts, locks, tunnels, etc.

Tiles with a relief pattern, discernible when walked on. These tiles warn the blind and visually impaired of potential danger (e.g. the platform edges at a station).

Wall that can withstand the pressure of higher ground. It allows for construction of a steep wall on a hill without a risk of the earth subsiding.

Place where toads can safely cross the railway tracks.

One ton-kilometre equals transport of 1 tonne along a distance of one kilometre.

Energy for train traction.

Railway network capacity allocated to a specific train, equivalent to a 'slot' in aviation.

Underground passage for trains or road traffic.

Station without service counters or railway personnel.

Switches that are welded into the rails so as to avoid joints.

Type of concrete that contains wood fibres. This concrete has noise-absorbing properties.

Workshop where wooden track elements are being treated with creosote or tar oil, protecting the wood from external influences.