ProRail prepares tracks for Zandvoort Grand Prix

ProRail started doing adjustments to the tracks between Haarlem and Zandvoort, to prepare for the thousands of Formula 1 fans expected to attend the Grand Prix in Zandvoort next year. In the coming year a mountain of work needs to be done, but ProRail expects it to succeed. "We're doing it at F1 speed", the rail manager said in a statement.

Currently two trains per hour run on the route between Haarlem and Zandvoort. That is increased to four trains per hour on busy beach days. But that is not enough to cope with the high number of travelers expected to be drawn by the Formula 1. ProRail therefore wants to further increase the number of trains. For that additional power cables must be laid and technical installations need to be adjusted.

The changes will cost around 1.5 million euros, ProRail expects. "There are all kinds of partners involved, such as municipalities, NS and the province, so the money will be raised", a ProRail spokesperson said to NOS. 

There are three level crossings on the Haarlem-Zandvoort route, which will have to be closed more often and longer if extra trains run on this route. This may also have consequences for the routes used by Formula 1 spectators who don't come by train and by the emergency services. ProRail is consulting with the municipality of Zandvoort about extra supervision at these crossings, and investigating if other measures need to be taken to guarantee safety. 

According to the rail manager, the upgrades on the Haarlem-Zandvoort route will not only benefit Formula 1 fans, but also people who want to go to the beach. They now too often end up in crowded trains during the summer weather.