Major rail work paralyzes the station but promises a smoother future.
Large-scale works will paralyze the beating heart of train traffic in Rotterdam, the Central Station, for six weeks. ProRail plans to modernize the track between October 23 and December 4, an essential preparation for running more trains in 2024. For the traveler, this is a double-edged sword: it promises a smoother future but entails considerable inconvenience in the short term.
Major changes are being made to the rail infrastructure of both the east and west sides of the station. On the east side, platform 9 will be extended and on the west side, the work will focus on platforms 11 and 12. In addition to the platform extensions, ProRail will replace switches and tracks, and carry out maintenance on both overhead lines and train safety systems. The six-week renovation will conclude with extensive testing of the newly installed systems.
ProRail has indicated that it will work with local authorities and the Dutch Railways during these six weeks to minimize the impact of the work.
With the winter months approaching, these delays and adjustments could place an additional burden on many people's already complex travel schedules.
Despite ProRail's attempts to minimize inconvenience, traveling during this period becomes a challenge. Some tracks will be closed, but during the weekends of November 25-26 and December 2-3, the station will be completely inaccessible to train traffic. During these total closures, the shops at the station will be open as usual. However, the closure comes at a particularly unfortunate time, coinciding with major events such as Black Friday, the Sinterklaas celebration and the football match between Feyenoord and PSV on December 3.
What does this mean specifically for the traveler? The Dutch Railways will offer replacement bus transport and advise you to use the RET metro network. The adjustments will extend beyond the routes directly affected: trains are expected to depart at different times and from different platforms. Travelers should take into account extra travel time, extra transfers and larger crowds, especially during rush hours. It is advisable to carefully check travel plans in the NS app.
ProRail
More and more people travel by train every day, and the number is growing. Also between The Hague and Rotterdam. To enable that growth, they feed it High-frequency rail transport program Rijswijk-Rotterdam out. With all kinds of adjustments to the track and the stations on this route, more trains can start running in 2024. At Rotterdam Central Station they ensure that trains can arrive and depart faster. And with extended platforms they make room at the station for longer trains.
