Major construction closes Groningen station through July 12

The main train station in Groningen closed early Saturday for a 64-day period of intensive construction, NOS reports. Train traffic to and from the station will be significantly reduced until July 12, and no NS trains will stop at the station during several key periods, including a full closure this weekend and again from June 14 to July 12.

The redevelopment project includes the construction of a pedestrian tunnel, relocation of the bus terminal, and a complete realignment and renewal of rail tracks. Dutch infrastructure operator ProRail said the changes will make transfers at the station faster and more convenient once completed.

Buses are replacing trains this weekend between Groningen and surrounding stations. From Monday, limited train service will resume in most directions, but the station will fully close again mid-June for a final construction push. The most disruptive work will bring train traffic across nearly the entire province of Groningen to a standstill.

The last NS train departed Groningen Station at 00:50 Saturday morning, according to NOS. The closure officially began just after that.

Train driver Jos van der Veen from Zuidbroek made the final trip into the "old" station on Friday. “It’ll take some getting used to,” he told RTV Noord. “I think it’s special to be part of railway history — the end of something or the beginning. This time, I get to experience the end. I love that.”

Van der Veen has closely followed the years-long transformation of Groningen’s station, filming its development with a drone. “I think it’s kind of special,” he told RTV Noord during his route. “I’m going to secretly enjoy it. I think it’s wonderful to witness a piece of railway history.”

Van der Veen said he doesn’t expect to miss much about the current station, though he does regret one aspect of the redesign. “It’s a shame that tracks 1, 2, and 3 are being turned into a kind of square,” he said. “The tracks are being shifted to the south side of the station.”

Still, he’s optimistic about the improvements. “I’m looking forward to walking straight to my train without detours,” he told RTV Noord. “And in winter, it’ll be great to have the platform canopies back. You’re much less exposed to the harsh weather when those are up.”