DUTCH infrastructure manager ProRail has suspended its programme to introduce the New Generation Signal (NGS) after problems have emerged with its visibility under certain conditions.
The NGS is much smaller than the current colour light signals installed on the national network in the Netherlands, and had been going through the approvals process when the problems were detected.
The approvals process is continuing as ProRail investigates the issue and works on design modifications.
The suspension is already having a significant impact on major infrastructure projects planned for the future, including the major remodelling programme at The Hague Central station, which has been postponed.
Work including the construction of a new platform has also been put on hold at Tilburg station, as there is insufficient time to adapt the signalling design for the project. ProRail says that train operations will not be affected.
Planned work is continuing at Kijfhoek freight yard between Rotterdam and Dordrecht, however. New signals are being installed but not commissioned, remaining covered until they can be brought into operation.
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