Brussels-Ottignies rail line to close for nine days

No trains will run on the line between Ottignies and Brussels-Schuman for nine days due to track works, rail infrastructure firm Infrabel and rail operator SNCB have announced.

The closure applies from 26 April to 4 May inclusive. During this period, intercity IC trains between Namur and Brussels will be diverted via Leuven to Brussels-North station, adding 30 minutes to the journey time.

Local S-train services from Ottignies to Brussels via La Hulpe will be replaced by a bus service - a 90-minute journey.

The journey planner on the SNCB website has been updated to show the alternative travel arrangements.

The line closure is part of a major upgrade project by Infrabel on the future RER suburban train network, which includes doubling the size of the Brussels-Ottignies lines from two tracks to four. From mid-June, the four-track stretch from Watermael to La Hulpe will be fully open.

During the closure, final adjustments will be made to the signalling safety system and fire detection systems and lighting will be installed in the Boitsfort tunnel.

Meanwhile, another one-day rail strike has been announced for Tuesday 29 April - a week after the last walkout by SNCB staff.

The strike will run from 22.00 on Monday evening until the same time on Tuesday.

During the 24-hour strike earlier this week, about three in five intercity and suburban trains ran as normal, but most of the extra 'P' trains in rush hours were cancelled.

SNCB workers are protesting against a series of reforms announced by the federal government, including an increase to their retirement age, cost-savings and a reform of HR Rail, the body that employs them.