4 months Ago
Tunnel Systems Undergoing Critical Testing
The trouble started on Saturday, when a power failure at the plant of the electricity supplier forced trains to cease both domestic and international services. Electricity has now been restored, but a power spike is believed to have fried critical tunnel safety systems. These are the emergency exits, lighting, fire and gas detection equipment. All systems must be thoroughly tested before the tunnel is once again safe to go through, ProRail said.
Until then, no trains are running between Rotterdam and Rotterdam Zuid. The result has been mass cancellations and delays in the area, which have impacted thousands of passengers over the weekend.
Major Delays and International Impact
Passengers are being told to postpone journeys or expect severe delays, Dutch Railways (NS) said. On Sunday, an NS spokesperson confirmed that there are no high-speed trains between Rotterdam and Breda, nor are there trains between Rotterdam and Dordrecht.
International travel has also been hampered by the disruption. Eurostar trains from London are currently stopping in Brussels rather than continuing through to Rotterdam. Passengers are also being pushed onto other flights to their destinations.
Tests are expected to conclude by about 4 p.m. local time, ProRail said. The timing could change, however, depending on the results of the safety checks.
