After 64 intensive days and nights of work, all Groningen and other travelers can finally use the renewed Groningen Station. Of the four major milestones for the complete renovation, two (the passenger passage and the train connection) are now actually usable.

First milestone: passenger passage

The most striking change is the underground passenger passage. Not only is it a huge improvement for reaching the platforms, but also as a connection between the city center and the Rivierenbuurt. Pedestrians can go from south to north and back via this public passage. The southern entrance is not yet finished, as the municipality of Groningen is still building the Zuidplein there. The southern entrance will seamlessly connect via a sloping square. 

This milestone also includes three types of platform canopies: the thoroughly renovated historic canopies, the beautifully restored monumental canopies, and the light and elegant new canopies. 

Second milestone: train connection

Residents of Groningen had already noticed: all tracks had disappeared. First on the east side and then on the west side. Gradually, the tracks returned, but just a bit differently than before. Tracks with overhead lines (for NS trains) and tracks without overhead lines (for Arriva trains). And a track that is no longer stopped by a buffer, but runs along the platforms. This means Arriva trains no longer have to stop and turn around, but can continue running. The first 'connected' train ran to Leeuwarden on Sunday morning. Thanks to this connection, people no longer have to change trains, saving a lot of time.

Third milestone under construction: a bus station on the south side with associated bus underpass

A completely new bus station has actually been built, but is not yet ready for use. An important part of the 64-day closure was the removal of the blue bridge and the tracks to place the middle section of the bus underpass. This was successful, so in the coming months, work can continue on completing the bus route to the station and the station itself. By mid-2026, the buses from Stationsweg are expected to move to their new home on the south side.

Fourth milestone in development: bicycle tunnel and bicycle cellar

What is there, but not yet visible, is the bicycle tunnel. Most of it has been built, except for the last part. That last part, under the monumental station building, still needs to be worked out due to the fragility of the monument. These works are expected to take at least two more years.

Further work

From July 17 to 23, except for the weekend, work will continue intensively: sheet piles will be driven on the north side of the bus tunnel. This will happen between 07:00 and 19:00. After that, work will almost stop and resume after the construction holiday.