Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In February and March 2025, Infrabel will perform maintenance on Line 73 over 3 weekends, impacting train services between Deinze, Lichtervelde, Diksmuide and De Panne. NMBS will provide bus replacements, and passengers are advised to check travel schedules.
Infrabel, Belgium’s train track management company, will restore Line 73. This will take place over three weekends: February 15-16, 22-23, and March 1-2, 2025. Officials noted that maintenance is essential to guarantee that the tracks are safe and stable. They will renew the tracks, replace old sleepers and ballast, and improve level crossings.
On the first weekend, February 15-16, they will focus on the tracks between Deinze and Lichtervelde. Train services will be stopped in this area. NMBS will provide buses to help passengers travel between the stations. The next weekend, February 22-23, the work will continue from Lichtervelde to Diksmuide, also stopping train services in that area.
What maintenance work is Infrabel completing on March 1-2?
Infrabel will finish work on the train tracks on March 1-2,2025. This work will happen between Diksmuide and De Panne. New rails will be added at level crossings. Some railway switches will also be changed. The signalling system will be checked to make sure it works well.
Test runs will be done to ensure everything is ready for trains to run again. Train services will stop in this area during the weekend. Buses will be provided for passengers. Officials mentioned that passengers should check the NMBS journey planner or app for updates.
“The signalling system will also be serviced and there will be several test runs to check train detection equipment,”
According to Infrabel.
On March 1-2, 2025, train services will be stopped between Lichtervelde and Diksmuide. Officials mentioned that this work is part of Infrabel’s project to renew tracks at 2 level crossings. These updates are important for the safety of the railway.
“We will then renew the tracks of two level crossings between Lichtervelde and De Panne. There will also be a few test runs.”
NMBS
During the maintenance work, NMBS (SNCB) will provide buses for passengers. These buses will connect stations where train services are stopped. NMBS advises passengers to plan their trips early and expect longer travel times on these weekends. Infrabel is making these improvements to make train travel safer and more reliable in Belgium.
