Vught monumental station building relocated 13.6 meters

The monumental station building in Vught, weighing approximately 720 tons, is being moved 13.6 meters to accommodate the expansion of railway tracks between Den Bosch and Vught. The operation, which includes the building’s historic cellar, involves sliding the structure on specialized tracks to make room for a new sunken track as part of the High-Frequency Rail Transport Program.

The building, originally dating from around 1868, holds historical significance as a site where station master Willem Jooren assisted people in escaping from Kamp Vught during World War II. To facilitate the move, the structure was lifted 80 centimeters onto a concrete tray and is being pushed in 34 increments of 40 centimeters by a specialized company.

Public interest in the technical feat has been high, with spectators gathering at a designated viewing area and a livestream provided to follow the progress. The relocation is part of a larger infrastructure project intended to increase freight train capacity to the south and reduce local level crossings.