Infrabel, the Belgian rail network operator, has announced the complete suspension of high-speed train services on the line between Brussels and the French border from 12 to 29 August. This will apply in both directions, an extension of 30 minutes journey times. During this period, Eurostar trains to London will have to use the classic rail line between Lille Europe and the Belgian capital, while SNCF TGVs and Eurostars from Paris to Amsterdam and Cologne (ex-Thalys) will pass through Mons. Because of the expected increase in traffic during the Olympic Games, Infrabel has taken care to wait until the end of the event, when the flame will have been extinguished the day before in Paris.
10 years of work ahead
This high-speed line, the oldest in Belgium with 27 years on the clock, needs major upgrades. renovation work. " In recent years, signs of ageing have appeared on the line linking Brussels to the French-Belgian border. This has prompted the Belgian rail infrastructure manager to plan a renewal project that will take around ten years to complete." Infrabel explained.
The tracks and part of the ballast will be completely changed on an initial 17.6 km section, more precisely for Belgian geography experts between the municipalities of Leuze-en-Hainaut and Brugelette. SNCB regional train traffic will also be affected by this addition of high-speed train traffic between Mons and Brussels, Mouscron and Brussels, and Ath and Mons. Other sections of the LGV are likely to be built over the coming summers, with the same effects.
