BRITS hopping on the Eurostar this summer could face a longer journey than usual, the train operator has warned. Connecting the UK to destinations in France , the Netherlands and Belgium , passengers travelling via Brussels will be facing extended trips. Train lines between Belgium and the French border are to be shut down for engineering works next month, local media reports .
The aging high speed network, which is around 27 years old, needs updating to handle the trains currently using the tracks. A joint statement from Infrabel, the National Railway Company (SNCB) and Eurostar said: "In recent years, the ageing of the line connecting Brussels to the Franco-Belgian border has become apparent." The works are to start from August 12, the day after the end of the Paris Olympics, and last until August 29.
The majority of the works will take place overnight, but will also require a two week full closure. This means Brits travelling from London to Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam will face longer journeys by being diverted onto other, slower lines. Passengers will face journey times being around 30 minutes longer.
Currently, the London St Pancras to Brussels takes around two hours - it has now been extended to 2hr34. London to Rotterdam will go up to 3hr58, from 3hr16, while London to Amsterdam's fastest direct route normally takes around 4hr10, but this will go up to 4hr40. While they hope to keep disruption to a minimum, passengers are being advised to check the schedules befo.