Rail traffic between Namur and Brussels has been disrupted since Wednesday morning due to the collapse of an embankment near the route's tracks. It has now been confirmed that disruption will continue for at least two weeks.
An embankment collapsed on a track at Rhisnes, a district of the La Bruyère commune located in the province of Namur on Wednesday morning, blocking a track for several metres. Train traffic between Namur and Brussels has been disrupted since. Replacement buses were put in place between Namur and Gembloux. Some trains have been diverted, resulting in longer journey times.
However, infrastructure manager Infrabel confirmed later in the day that disruptions will last for at least two weeks, Belga News Agency reported. The company has said it needs to find a lasting solution. This will probably involve anchoring nets over a distance of around 60 metres and along the entire height of the embankment.
A geologist will first have to examine the nature of the soil and check for the presence of solid rock at depth, before anchoring the nets. Traffic will only be possible on one track while work is carried out to make the area safe.
The embankment was at risk of collapsing on Tuesday and finally gave way on Wednesday morning.
