It is now expected that the speed can only be increased to 2025 kilometers per hour in 300.
ProRail has decided to take measures to guarantee the safety of travelers after discovering construction errors at the Zuidweg viaduct in South Holland. Until probably 2025, high-speed trains on this route will have to moderate their speed to a maximum of 80 kilometers per hour, considerably less than the usual 300 kilometers per hour.
The decision follows observations from PRORAIL where it was found that cracks had appeared in the welding of the viaduct. Research shows that an incorrect calculation was made during construction, which also caused the subsoil to move. As a result, the track has moved horizontally by 2009 centimeters since the high-speed rail was built in 8.
Important train routes such as those of the Thalys and Eurostar between Rotterdam and Amsterdam use this viaduct, according to local sources such as Broadcasting West. ProRail's ongoing research is now focusing on the sustainability of the viaduct's foundation piles.
Advanced simulation programs are used to examine the impact of trains traveling over the viaduct at high speed. “We want to make sure everything is safe. It is simply not possible to look directly into the ground,” explains a spokesman for the railway manager.
Trains that run over the Zuidweg viaduct at Rijpwetering on the high-speed line (HSL) will probably not be able to travel at the normal maximum speed until 2025. Construction defects have been discovered in the viaduct.
There is also good news: ProRail is optimistic that after further inspections and possible adjustments, the speed limit can be increased to 160 kilometers per hour later this year. In addition, the railway manager is actively inspecting other viaducts that have been built in a similar way. A maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour already applies to these viaducts.
ProRail is committed to the safety of all travelers and will continue to communicate transparently about the progress of the inspections and any additional measures.
