SNCB has halted all train traffic between Brussels-South (Bruxelles-Midi) and Nivelles for the weekend of 19-20 September to allow Infrabel to advance works on the Brussels Regional Express Network (GEN/RER). Replacement fast and stopping buses are running via key stations including Waterloo and Eigenbrakel, while long-distance IC services to Charleroi are terminating at Brussels-South. The closure severs a vital commuter artery for the Walloon Brabant tech cluster, where companies such as GSK and Swift operate major campuses. SNCB estimates that up to 45,000 passenger journeys are affected across the two days. To limit business impact, the operator is accepting rail tickets on selected STIB and De Lijn bus routes inside the capital and has pushed real-time updates to mobility-as-a-service platforms such as Skipr and Olympus Mobility. On Sunday evening the last replacement coaches will continue south to Luttre, allowing travellers to connect with late-running trains from Charleroi. Parking fees at the Luttre park-and-ride have been waived for season-ticket holders. Employers with weekend shifts have been advised to extend flex-time windows or facilitate telework. The Brussels–Nivelles upgrade is part of a € 3.2 billion programme to boost capacity to 10 trains per hour in each direction by 2028. While the current closure lasts only 48 hours, further weekend shutdowns are slated for October, underscoring the need for HR departments and relocation managers to monitor Infrabel’s rolling work calendar.
Source: SNCB
