Works on high-speed line between Brussels and French border cause disruption to S-trains

Essential maintenance on Belgium's first high-speed rail line, connecting Brussels and the French border, will cause significant disruptions for travelers until August 23. The works, which began recently, are impacting both international high-speed services and domestic S-trains.

Infrabel, the infrastructure manager, is undertaking comprehensive renewal efforts on the line, first established in Belgium in 1997. These upgrades include replacing rails, concrete sleepers, and ballast, the layer of stones beneath the tracks that absorbs shock. These improvements are part of a phased renewal plan for the line, aiming for completion by 2035.

The most immediate consequence for high-speed train passengers is an extended journey time of approximately 15 minutes as trains are rerouted. However, the impact on domestic S-train services is more severe. Train traffic between Halle and Silly is completely suspended. Additionally, S2 trains between Leuven, Brussels, and 's-Gravenbrakel will have reduced service, with only one in two trains stopping at Ruisbroek and Buizingen on weekdays.

Further disruptions affect S3 trains running between Dendermonde, Brussels, and Geraardsbergen, which will only operate between Dendermelse and Brussels-South. Passengers traveling between Brussels-South and Geraardsbergen are advised to use S7 trains, which will exceptionally extend their route to Geraardsbergen during the maintenance period. Weekend services will also see altered routes, with S3 trains between Denderleeuw, Geraardsbergen, and Brussels-North being canceled. Alternative routes and replacement bus services are available via the NMBS website, and the online journey planner has been updated to reflect the changes.