Extensive Dutch rail delays expected with summer maintenance

Train travelers can expect significant delays during the summer holidays as ProRail is using this time to do extra maintenance on the rails. Some 7 thousand ProRail employees and contractors will carry out maintenance in 40 places in the coming period. "Travelers will have a lot of inconvenience, but unfortunately that can't be helped", ProRail CEO Pier Eringa said, according to RTL Nieuws.

According to Eringa, the Dutch railway is increasingly busy, leading to more wear and tear on the rails and overhead lines. Extra maintenance is therefore essential. This year ProRail is doing about 20 percent more maintenance than usual.

Some of the work may take weeks. For example, the Moerdijk bridge will be closed for three weeks. Work on the overhead line between Zwolle and Kampen is expected to take until the end of August. And ProRail will be working around Utrecht Centraal throughout July and August.

Eringa called it "catchup in necessary maintenance" while speaking to the Telegraaf.