Minister Madlener launches mobility studies for Brainport region
Due to growth and geopolitical importance, Brainport is starting to tackle infrastructure around the A2/N2, Brainport line, and NW access.
Published on May 19, 2025
Minister Madlener, Deputy Van Gruijthuijsen, and four regional aldermen toast the start of the Brainport logistics studies. © Bram Saeys
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During a working visit to the Brainport Industries Campus, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Barry Madlener gave the official go-ahead for a series of explorations aimed at improving accessibility to the northwestern part of the region. The goal is to have sustainable infrastructure to support economic growth, housing construction, and the international business climate in the area.
He did so after a short bike ride from the Philips Fruit Gardens via the new Tegenbosch Bridge to the Brainport Industries Campus. Madlener emphasized the unique character of the three MIRTs. “This is one of the few MIRT explorations that are still going ahead, because a lot is on hold due to nitrogen, lack of money, and lack of capacity. This also has everything to do with the Beethoven project and the need for the Netherlands as an exporting country to cherish this gem of which we are so proud.”
Pioneering electric asphalting
During the working visit to the Brainport Industries Campus, Minister Barry Madlener was also briefed on KWS Infra Eindhoven's fully electric asphalt set, consisting of an electric asphalt paver and an electric roller. Director Yuri Dzon explained how his team pioneered these sustainable innovations: “It was hard work in the beginning, but now we can run them for eight to nine hours. Around noon, we hook it up to a booster pack for an hour.”
The machines are converted diesel models, now equipped with electric motors and batteries. “We were the first in the Netherlands with such a set. It requires some logistical adjustments, but it's green growth in action,” says Dzon. Madlener, who also climbed onto the machine himself, was impressed. According to Dzon and Regional Minister Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, electrification results in cleaner work and “new earning potential” through innovative start-ups and scale-ups that are piggybacking on this trend.
Barry Madlener, © Bram Saeys
This involves an integral MIRT exploration of three core projects: the A2/N2 approach, the Brainport line, and the northwestern access to the region. These explorations are part of the Beethoven Agreement, in which the national government and the region previously agreed on investments in mobility, housing, and the economy. A total of €1 billion has been made available, of which €503 million has been earmarked explicitly for mobility in the Brainport region.
National interest
Minister Barry Madlener emphasized the national importance of this step: “The Brainport region of Eindhoven is an important technology region with prime economic locations on the western side of the region. The number of jobs and homes will skyrocket in the coming years. Top economic locations require good infrastructure."
The formal start of the MIRT explorations is an important milestone. A preferred decision is expected to be taken by the end of 2026, provided the regional explorations are also completed on time. Nevertheless, all those involved feel things need to and can be done faster. Madlener expressed his ambition to speed up the process: “I read that the next step would be at the end of 2026. That is very late. We will see if we can speed things up.” Deputy Martijn van Gruijthuijsen also believes that things cannot move fast enough. “The international geopolitical game requires speed. This region and this country must adapt to that. So let's roll up our sleeves and get to work – with green gas.”
Cooperation is the keyword
Aldermen from Eindhoven, Veldhoven, Oirschot, and Best were present at the announcement. Alderman Robert Strijk (Eindhoven) pointed out the importance that transcends the region: “The campus development around ASML is of great importance to the Dutch and European economy. Therefore, we must work with the national government, the province, and the region to make this innovation cluster in Eindhoven sustainably accessible.”
Alderman Jeroen Rooijakkers of the municipality of Veldhoven: “These explorations are important so that we not only keep the top economic locations accessible, but also connect them with each other and with the Brainport hubs and Best station. In this way, we are proudly building a future-proof region in which smart mobility, innovation, and quality of life go hand in hand.”
Van Gruijthuijsen also emphasized the return on investment. “Every euro invested here yields two to three euros for the Dutch economy. This is where the future earning capacity of the Netherlands lies.” At the same time, he placed the Beethoven deal in a broader context. “It's actually a case of repairing overdue maintenance. As a country, we should be planning ahead. This region is not asking for priority, but for keeping pace with its growth and significance.”