A project to convert the Schiedam - Hook of Holland Line from heavy rail to light metro and link it to the Rotterdam metro network is facing further delays which could push the reopening of the line into 2019.

The opening of the Amsterdam - Rotterdam - Antwerp HSL South high-speed line in 2009 failed to live up to expectations with the collapse of the Amsterdam - Brussels Fyra high-speed service in 2012, leaving Thalys as the sole operator. However, with the recent introduction of new services, the line is busy and, as Quintus Vosman reports, now requires investment to improve reliability.

MITSUI Rail Capital Europe (MRCE) and Siemens have reached an agreement to form a joint venture company, Locomotive Workshop Rotterdam (LWR), for the service and maintenance of locomotives.

THE project to convert the Schiedam - Hook of Holland Line from heavy rail to light metro and connect it to the Rotterdam metro has been delayed for a second time and is not expected to be completed before the end of 2018. Moreover, the cost of the project has risen by €90m to €490m.

THE conversion of the Schiedam - Hook of Holland line from heavy rail to a light rail line connected to the Rotterdam metro network is suffering delays which are likely to push the reopening date into next year.

DUTCH secretary of state for infrastructure Mrs Sharon Dijksma has approved the alignment of a new freight line in the port of Rotterdam, which will divert traffic away from the life-expired Caland vertical lift bridge.

CONVENTIONAL train services have been withdrawn between Rotterdam and Hook of Holland to allow the line between Schiedam Central and Hook of Holland to be converted to metro operation and connected to the Rotterdam metro.