Major renovation work has commenced on Belgium’s oldest high-speed rail line, with significant implications for Eurostar and domestic train services.
Starting Monday, August 12, 2024, the 27-year-old high-speed line, a critical route for international and domestic passengers, will undergo extensive upgrades that are expected to extend journey times and disrupt regular train schedules.
The renovation project, managed by Infrabel, the Belgian railway network operator, is set to last until Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Infrabel is investing €310 million in the overhaul to ensure the continued performance and safety of the line, which supports approximately 100 trains per day traveling at speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Due to the construction work, Eurostar passengers will experience longer travel times between Brussels and Paris. The usual journey will be extended by about 30 minutes, with the new travel time to Paris now approximately two hours.
Passengers traveling to London will also face delays, with journey times extending to approximately 2.5 hours.
The TGV INOUI trains, which also use this high-speed route, will be redirected via alternative tracks, adding a similar delay of around 30 minutes to their schedules.
Domestic train services will also be affected. Adjustments are being made to several routes, including those connecting Mons and Brussels, Ath and Mons, and Mouscron and Brussels.
Regular travelers on these routes are advised to check SNCB’s website for updated travel information and alternative arrangements.
The renovation work involves replacing over 35 kilometers of rail, installing around 30,000 new sleepers—essential components that support and stabilize the rails—and adding 5,500 tonnes of ballast to enhance shock absorption and track stability.
Additionally, the project will include the cleaning of storm drains and the replacement of signal cables to improve overall system reliability.
To minimize disruption, most of the renovation activities will be conducted during the night. However, there will be a two-week interruption of train traffic on the line each summer throughout the ten-year renovation period.
This approach aims to balance the need for urgent repairs with the ongoing demand for rail travel.
Infrabel’s decision to undertake this substantial renovation highlights the importance of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure to ensure safety and efficiency on Belgium’s rail network.
The improvements are expected to significantly enhance the reliability and performance of the high-speed line once completed, benefiting both domestic and international rail travelers in the long term.
