Train traffic to and from the main coastal stations will be diverted or restricted for five consecutive weekends from the weekend of April 23. As a result, two of the four IC connections between Ghent and Bruges are not running. This is due to planned works on the track, infrastructure manager Infrabel and railway company NMBS report on Thursday.
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Infrabel is carrying out major works during five consecutive weekends (23-24 April, 30 April-1 May, 7-8 May, 14-15 May and 21-22 May) for the further construction of the third and fourth track between Ghent and Bruges . According to Infrabel, the construction of two new tracks should make the coastal region more easily accessible for passenger traffic from the interior and will also benefit freight traffic. During those weekends, work will take place in successive track sections. Train traffic between Ghent and Bruges will be interrupted on the main line 50A during those weekends.
The most important work is in Oostkamp, where a new switch complex is being put into use. Important signaling works are taking place in the Aalter-Landegem zone. Catenary works are planned in Bellem, in Hansbeke the former pedestrian tunnel on the Melkerijstraat is being demolished, in Hansbeke and Bellem the platforms are being finished. In addition, Infrabel is working on the maintenance and renewal of the rail infrastructure at various locations between Ghent and Bruges.
Alternative transport plan
The NMBS has developed an alternative transport plan to limit the inconvenience to passengers as much as possible. The Eupen-Brussels-Oostende and Genk-Brussels-Blankenberge IC connections will be diverted between Ghent and Bruges via Lichtervelde, with an additional travel time of 20 minutes.
The IC Brussels Airport-Zaventem-Brussels-Knokke is limited to Ghent. There, travelers can transfer to the above-mentioned IC trains in the direction of Bruges. There they then use a shuttle train to Knokke.
The IC train Antwerp-Ghent-Oostende is also limited to Ghent. Travelers can also transfer there to the above-mentioned IC trains towards the coast.
The L-train Gent-Zeebrugge also does not run between Ghent and Bruges. Travelers have to transfer in Bruges to a train to Zeebrugge. A shuttle train also runs between Bruges and Ostend.
Travelers should not only take extra travel time or the need for a transfer into account, but due to the limited offer, in case of large crowds, they will sometimes not be able to take the train they planned to take and have to wait for the next train , emphasizes the NMBS.
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