Day 5 of passenger train disruption between Amsterdam-Utrecht as switch problems drag on
For the fifth day, fewer trains are running between Amsterdam and Utrecht on Monday. ProRail is struggling with two broken switches near Duivendrecht and doesn’t expect to have the repairs done in time for train traffic to run according to schedule at all on Monday.
“On Monday, fewer trains will run between Amsterdam and Utrecht all day,” ProRail said on Sunday evening. Repairing the switches is turning out to be “complex.”
“We are working with the contractor to determine the best possible approach. The repairs will take place after the weekend. We advise travelers to consult the trip planner before departure.”
The issues with the two switches arose on Thursday. One switch failed completely, and the second could only be used at a reduced speed. On Friday, ProRail managed to adjust the failed switch so that it too could be used, but with a speed restriction of 40 kilometers per hour. So train traffic on the route is possible, but the timetable had to be reduced.
On its website, NS said the issue should be resolved by 7:30 p.m. on Monday. ProRail has not mentioned an estimated time of repair. Travelers on the routes can expect more crowded trains and longer travel times than usual.
