Utrecht rail delays after train destroys signals 04/10/2006 00:00

4 October 2006

AMSTERDAM — Serious train delays were being reported around Utrecht on Wednesday after a railway works train destroyed several signals at about 2.30am.

A spokesman for rail network authority ProRail said part of a moving platform was jutting out from the train and it destroyed everything it collided with.

Commuters between Utrecht and Den Bosch were experiencing long delays on Wednesday. Only a few trains were departing per hour.

Repairs were completed at about 8am, but it took the best part of the morning before trains started run anywhere close to schedule. No buses were available for alternative transport.

Rail transport from Utrecht to The Hague and Rotterdam was also disrupted. No 'fast trains' were operating in the morning peak-hour.

Delays were also reported on the Utrecht-Amersfoort route, where two signals were destroyed.

It is not yet certain the extent of the damage to railway infrastructure, but ProRail was kept busy throughout the night repairing the damage.

A spokesman for Dutch rail NS said there were no problems reported on platforms during the morning rush-hour, despite the fact it was extremely busy at Utrecht CS.

[Copyright Expatica News 2006]

Subject: Dutch news