High-speed rail line to shut for several months in 2028 and 2029

The high-speed rail line between Hoofddorp and Rotterdam will shut down for 112 consecutive days starting on 4 September 2028, railway manager ProRail announced.

A second closure of 50 days will follow in 2029, alongside several extended weekend closures, to repair structural defects in ten railway viaducts.

Previous estimates had anticipated a closure of at least 82 days for work on the Zuidweg viaduct near Rijpwetering, but recent engineering assessments showed the repairs require significantly more time.

Complex structural repairs

Engineers found that the viaducts need extensive modifications to foundations, abutments, and other structural elements that are essential to track safety.

Because the high-speed line is built largely on concrete structures with narrow access points, prefabricated parts have limited use and most concrete must be poured on site.

Construction faults were first detected at the Zuidweg viaduct in 2022 before problems were identified on nine additional bridges, leading to a temporary speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour.

ProRail and line manager Infraspeed are carrying out the project for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, aiming to restore safe 300 kilometre per hour operations by 2031.

Alternative travel routes

Repairs will proceed in phases, starting with the four southernmost viaducts where speed restorations will deliver the largest travel time savings for passengers.

An initial stabilization project on the Zuidweg viaduct, which involved installing a pile wall along the railway embankment, is almost finished.

ProRail is working with train operators to plan alternative timetables and is investigating diversion options for international trains via Amsterdam, Leiden, The Hague, and Rotterdam.

A definitive design and construction schedule from the contractor will be established in early 2027.

Source: Algemeen Dagblad