Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station has reopened today as a temporary solution to ease disruption caused by the upcoming renovation of the Antwerp premetro tunnel. The works, set to begin on Monday, 4 May, will last until the end of March 2027, suspending tram services between the left and right banks of the Scheldt. The station is one of several alternatives developed by mobility partners to keep travellers moving during the construction period.
The headline of the press release, ‘Temporary reopening of Antwerp-Linkeroever Station‘, emphasis the temporary character of this station on line 59.
Located on Katwilgweg, the temporary station stands on the same site where trains last stopped in 1984. While some of the original infrastructure remains, much of it has been renovated to meet modern standards.
The old platforms have been upgraded with prefabricated concrete elements, providing a level surface and a height of 76 cm, matching the boarding height of the trains for smooth access.
The station also features shelters, benches, lighting, and camera surveillance, along with tactile paving and guide lines for the visually impaired. A ticket vending machine and digital information screen displaying train departure times have been installed at the entrance.
Koen Kerckaert, director of Passenger Transport at NMBS / SNCB, said: “The fact that we have renewed Antwerp-Linkeroever in a record time of just four months demonstrates what is possible when different partners work together efficiently with the traveller in mind. We are therefore particularly pleased to be part of this, so that we can offer a comfortable and high-quality alternative with the temporary operation of this station to compensate for the suspension of the tram service.”
Extensive train services and smooth transfers
On weekdays, two trains per hour in both directions will stop at Antwerp-Linkeroever: the IC service between De Panne (La Panne), Ghent St Peter’s and Antwerp-Central, and the S34 between Dendermonde (Termonde) and Antwerp-Central. During school holidays, this will be reduced to one IC train per hour on weekdays, and one S34 train per hour on weekends.
To accommodate peak demand, NMBS / SNCB will double the capacity of S34 trains on weekdays, increasing seating from 280 to 560 per train, and extend their operating hours until 23:00.
From Melsele Railway Station, these trains will follow a route nearly identical to tram line 3, making it easy for regular tram users to switch to rail.
At the station, travellers can transfer seamlessly between modes of transport. De Lijn’s bus line 36 will now stop there, and 200 bicycle and 200 car parking spaces are available. The nearby cycle path on Katwilgweg has been resurfaced and connects to the Kaypad via a tunnel, while the Linkeroever P+R is within walking distance.
A single ticket to Antwerp-South, Antwerp-Berchem, or Antwerp-Central costs €2.60. Loyal De Lijn subscribers can apply for a free NMBS / SNCB subscription via the De Lijn website until 31 May, allowing unlimited train travel from Beveren, Melsele, Zwijndrecht, or Antwerp-Linkeroever to the three Antwerp stations during the tunnel renovation.
A broader mobility strategy
The temporary station is part of a wider effort to minimise disruption. Shuttle buses will run between the left and right banks every 7.5 minutes from 06:30 to 22:30, and every 10 minutes outside these hours. Pedestrians and cyclists can use the free St Anne and DeWaterbus ferry services between Hemiksem and Lillo, or cross the Scheldt via the St Anne’s Pedestrian Tunnel and J.F. Kennedy cycle tunnel.
Ann Schoubs, director-general of De Lijn, said: “After 51 years of loyal service, the Antwerp Metro tunnel between Frederik Van Eeden and Diamant stations is in need of a thorough renovation. We are renewing the substructure, the tracks, and all utility services. We are pleased that, together with our partners, we have been able to provide the necessary alternatives. Our goal is to offer our travellers a better and more efficient service after the works are completed.”
Bram Vandenboom, CEO of Lantis, added: “This station is temporary. But the approach behind it is not.”
Annick De Ridder (N-VA), Flemish Minister of Mobility, emphasised the importance of the project: “The renovation of the Antwerp premetro tunnel is a necessary investment in safe and reliable public transport for the coming decades. At the same time, we want to ensure that people in Antwerp can continue to travel as smoothly as possible. That is why we are implementing an impressive package of measures to minimise disruption, with this temporary but important Antwerp-Linkeroever station as a crucial link between the left and right banks.”
Koen Kennis (N-VA), Antwerp alderman of Mobility, noted: “The opening of the station on the left bank offers residents and visitors an additional public transport connection to the city and the region. This is an important alternative mobility solution during the period when the premetro tunnels are closed. Moreover, we are making use of the potential of local train tracks in and around the city.”
The Antwerp region is undergoing significant development, with infrastructure projects aimed at improving accessibility and shaping future mobility.
Collaboration between mobility providers, contractors, and governments is key to reducing disruption and promoting sustainable transport, ensuring Antwerp remains accessible and liveable.
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