On Antwerp‘s Linkeroever (Left Bank), along the Katwilgweg, the temporary train station is rapidly taking shape. From Saturday 2 May 2026, two days before part of the premetro tunnel closes for renovation, the first trains will stop at the platform.
Bicycle racks have already been installed on the newly laid square in front of the station, and work began on Monday to place the remaining street furniture. The information boards are also nearly in place. According to NMBS / SNCB spokesperson Dimitri Temmerman, the works are progressing as planned and will be completed in the course of next week.
The platforms are finished and have been raised using prefabricated concrete slabs. These provide a level surface and bring the platform height up to 76 centimetres, aligning with the entry height of the trains. The platforms will also be equipped with lighting, camera surveillance, tactile paving and guidance lines for visually impaired passengers, shelters, seating, and the necessary signage.
The temporary reopening of the Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station serves as an alternative to the tram during the renovation of part of the premetro, which connects both banks of the Scheldt. For these works, the tunnel between Linkeroever and the Opera premetro station will be closed for eleven months from Monday 4 May. Tram line 10 will continue to serve the Opera station.
The renovation of the station, which was permanently closed in June 1984, began during the spring half-term holiday. The outdated platforms have now been renewed with prefabricated concrete elements.
A new cycle and pedestrian path along the Katwilgweg, connecting Blancefloerlaan to the station, has also been completed and will soon open for use. The station will be equipped with a ticket machine and digital information screens.
The first trains are scheduled to stop at the station on Saturday 2 May, as planned. The stop has already been included in the journey planner, allowing passengers to check departure times for trains in both directions.
During the premetro tunnel renovation works, De Lijn season ticket holders will be able to use the train free of charge between Antwerpen-Linkeroever and Antwerpen-Centraal. A free NMBS / SNCB subscription must be requested before the end of May to benefit from this arrangement.
On weekdays, two trains per hour will stop in each direction at the renewed Linkeroever station. During peak hours, NMBS / SNCB will double the capacity of the S34 trains from 280 to 560 seats per train. The timetable will also be extended, with services running until 23:00.
From Dendermonde (Termonde), S34 trains will stop at every station up to Antwerp-Linkeroever, and will then continue to Antwerp-South, Antwerp-Berchem, and Antwerp-Central Railway Station.
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