Train passengers in the north of the Netherlands must expect significant disruption next week.
Buses will be running instead of trains between Assen and Hoogeveen from Saturday 15 to Friday 21 February. The track between Groningen, Veendam and Bad Nieuweschans will also be tackled and train traffic will be replaced by buses between 15 and 23 February. ProRail is using the spring break to carry out large-scale work.
renewal of sleepers
On the route between Wijster and Hoogeveen, four kilometres of sleepers are being replaced. This is necessary to strengthen the track construction and make it future-proof. In Beilen, the station is undergoing a major transformation. Not only is the track being renewed, but the platform is also being refurbished. In addition, the overhead lines are being tackled to increase the reliability of the network.
It is noteworthy that ProRail has chosen to completely remove the switches on both sides of Beilen station, as well as the third track. The switches are hardly used and mainly appear to be a source of extra maintenance and energy waste. In the past ten months, the switches have only been used 250 times, of which more than 200 times for 'rust driving' - a method in which trains run over unused tracks to prevent rust formation from disrupting train safety. This process is not only time-consuming, but also causes noise pollution for local residents and delays trains using the route.
new overflow switches
The disappearance of the switches in Beilen does not mean that trains no longer have the possibility to change tracks. In the rural area between Beilen and Hoogeveen, new crossover switches have been constructed with the project 'Spoorboog Hoogeveen'. This system, which is already used in Meppel and Assen, makes it possible to change tracks at high speed.
Trains that change at Beilen now have to reduce their speed to just 40 kilometres per hour. After the adjustments, this can be done at a track section speed of 140 kilometres per hour, which shortens the travel time and improves the flow of train traffic. In addition, removing the switches contributes to the safety of the level crossing at Oosterstraat in Beilen. Currently, pedestrians and vehicles have to cross three tracks here, but after the adjustments, only one will remain.
buses as alternative transport
For travellers, this means drastic measures in the timetable. NS is deploying stop and express buses to bridge the affected routes. Stop buses are running between Assen, Beilen and Hoogeveen, while express buses are available between Assen and Hoogeveen and between Groningen and Hoogeveen. For travellers travelling the route between Zwolle and Groningen, it is recommended to take the express bus between Groningen and Hoogeveen to limit the travel time as much as possible.
In addition to the work on the Assen-Hoogeveen route, work is also continuing on the track between Hoogezand-Sappemeer and Zuidbroek. Here too, buses are being deployed to get train passengers to their destination. Full information about the replacement bus service and the adjusted timetable can be found on the NS website.
diversions for car traffic
The work will not only cause disruption to the railway, but also to road traffic. Various level crossings will be temporarily closed, which means that motorists and cyclists will have to take diversions into account. Road users will be kept informed of the current routes and closures via signs and via the website of road manager Melvin.
ProRail's interventions are an important step in modernizing the northern railway network. By removing outdated switches and enabling faster track changes, the route will become safer and more efficient. Although travelers will experience temporary inconvenience, train traffic will benefit from an improved infrastructure in the long term.
