The Eurostar will be out for ‘only’ six months next year, instead of the previously expected eleven months. A solution has been found so that the popular connection to and from London can partly continue during the renovation of Amsterdam Central Station.
State Secretary Vivianne Heijnen (Transport, Public Works and Water Management) says that the realization of a new departure terminal in the Amstelpassage can be accelerated. “The accelerated completion of the new terminal in the Amstelpassage has a low risk profile, is separate from the large-scale projects and the acceleration can be achieved within the already planned realization of the Amstelpassage,” Heijnen writes in a letter to the House of Representatives. ‘Unfortunately, this solution cannot completely close the gap. All parties are therefore committed to accelerating the work even further. For example, further acceleration options are being examined with the contractor.’
From the middle of next year, the station, which dates back to 1889, will be overhauled for a billion euros: on behalf of ProRail, builder Strukton will widen and extend the platforms. The number of tracks is also reduced. Eurostar will also have a larger terminal that can accommodate 650 passengers, compared to 250 currently.
The result of the renovation was the high-speed train between Amsterdam and London would have to be removed for up to eleven months, the State Secretary announced at the beginning of June. During the work, there will be no room left for passport and baggage checks by customs. Continuing to drive is also unsafe, says ProRail, and it would take all the air out of the renovation planning.
Commotion
The news caused a lot of commotion, including at the Rover traveler association and in the House of Representatives. At a time when the train is replacing the plane on international connections of up to 500-750 kilometers, it is inexplicable that Eurostar has been out of service for so long.
For a period of approximately six months, travelers can travel from Amsterdam to London with a transfer in Brussels, Heijnen says. ‘I realize that a direct journey is more pleasant for the traveler than with a transfer, but this way at least a travel option is maintained for the traveler.’
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