GRONINGEN - Beginning May 10, 2025, Groningen will undergo significant railway disruptions lasting until July 12, 2025, due to extensive construction work at the Central Station. This operation, known as Groningen Spoorzone, will see no train services on six routes, with buses being deployed as an alternative. The Dutch railway company NS is working diligently to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible for travelers.
During this period, passengers should prepare for extra travel times ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on their departure point and destination. The operation will occur in six distinct phases, each with specific adjustments to bus services.
In the first phase, on May 10 and 11, buses will operate on several routes including Groningen to Groningen Europapark, Groningen to Roodeschool/Eemshaven, Groningen to Delfzijl, and Groningen to Zuidhorn. Following this initial phase, the second phase will run from May 12 to May 16, during which buses will continue on the Groningen to Groningen Europapark route, along with an extra Q-link 2 service.
Phases three and four, set for May 17 to 18 and May 19 to June 13 respectively, will maintain the bus services to Groningen Europapark, while the extra Q-link 2 will remain operational. The fifth phase, from June 14 to July 9, will see the introduction of additional bus services on the routes to Roodeschool/Eemshaven, Delfzijl, and Zuidhorn, alongside the continued service to Groningen Europapark and the extra Q-link 2.
The final phase, occurring from July 10 to July 12, will include bus routes from Groningen to Assen, Veendam, Bad Nieuweschans, Roodeschool/Eemshaven, Delfzijl, and Zuidhorn, in addition to the ongoing extra Q-link 2 service.
This construction is a crucial step towards transforming the current terminal station into a through station, enhancing connectivity and efficiency for future rail travel. ProRail, in collaboration with contractor Strukton, is spearheading this significant project, emphasizing its importance for the region's transportation infrastructure.
As the city braces for these changes, officials are urging commuters to plan their journeys ahead of time, considering the expected delays and adjustments. The NS has reassured passengers that they are committed to minimizing inconvenience during this period of essential upgrades.
Travelers are encouraged to check the NS website and local transport updates regularly for the latest information on bus schedules and travel times. With the changes set to reshape the railway landscape in Groningen, the community is looking forward to a more efficient and modern transport system in the near future.