The automatic sorting system at Dutch emplacement yard Kijfhoek has been restored. This was reported by infrastructure manager ProRail. The repair work on the two main rail brakes was completed last weekend. The automatic sorting process of wagons for the wagon load network was resumed on Sunday, ProRail has announced.

The automatic sorting system had to be shut down on Wednesday afternoon after cracks in the two main rail brakes of the hill system were observed during a check. Since then, rail freight traffic experienced significant delays.

Alternative sorting process

In order to allow freight trains to depart, an alternative sorting process was set up that enabled to place wagons on the departure tracks. However, this process was very time-consuming and additional railway personnel had to be deployed. This had a negative impact on the punctuality of national and international freight transport.

In May this year and in November last year, the frames of the hill system’s main rail brakes were replaced. In June last year, the supporting structure of the brakes was renewed. “These brakes are used very intensively. That is why they are inspected daily to see if they are still in order”, explains a ProRail spokesperson.

Siemens will modernise the hill system at Kijfhoek in 2023 and 2024. In doing so, both the electronic part and the mechanical components will be renewed.