Stationsweg Transformed into Mega Bus Hub During Rail Works
From 10 May to 12 July, the Stationsweg in Groningen will become a central hub for replacement buses and construction traffic during Operation Groningen Spoorzone.
From 10 May to 12 July, the Stationsweg in Groningen will become a central hub for replacement buses and construction traffic during Operation Groningen Spoorzone. The street will serve both as a temporary mega bus stop and a parking area for buses, requiring significant traffic changes in the area.
With large-scale rail construction taking place around the Central Station this summer, train services will be suspended or reduced for 64 days. In response, NS and Arriva are deploying dozens of replacement buses to maintain connectivity across the region. To accommodate this, the municipality has designated the Stationsweg as a key transit corridor, including a full conversion into a bus stop and temporary bus buffer zone.
Replacement Bus Services and Stops
During the works:
Arriva buses serving Roodeschool, Eemshaven, Delfzijl, and Zuidhorn will pick up and drop off passengers along the Stationsweg.
Buses to and from Europapark, Assen, Veendam, and Bad Nieuweschans will stop at Emmaplein.
Additionally, a section of the Stationsweg will serve as a bus buffer, where drivers can take breaks, change shifts, or wait between rides.
Traffic Diversions and Accessibility
To ensure safety and efficiency:
Cars and general motorized traffic will be banned from the Stationsweg during the project.
Taxis, Kiss&Ride vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians will still be allowed.
Traffic controllers will be stationed at key points, and alternative routes will be clearly marked, with diversions via the southern ring road.
A more infrmation and up-to-date travel info are available at operatiegroningenspoorzone.nl.
Long-Term Changes Under Consideration
The municipality is also using this period as a test case to study traffic behavior without car access to the Stationsweg. Depending on the outcome, the city may introduce a permanent closure to through traffic around 2028, with access only for emergency and destination traffic. This aligns with broader plans for the Spoorkwartier redevelopment, including the new bus underpass and nearby residential and commercial expansions.
‘Smart Bus Lines’ for Smoother Travel
To reduce transfers and improve travel during the disruption, Qbuzz is launching a series of ‘smart bus lines’:
Lines 178 and 61 will form a continuous route between Appingedam and Uithuizen via Europapark.
Lines 76 and 65 will connect Hoogezand to Zoutkamp.
All these lines will stop at Europapark for onward train connections to Zwolle.
During peak hours, buses will run every 15 minutes between Europapark, Groningen Station, and Zuiderdiep.
Line 110 will link Assen to Europapark to serve schools in De Wijert, while line 106 will provide a fast route from Veendam and Hoogezand to Zernike.
As Groningen undergoes this major transformation, the city is balancing construction needs with efficient transport solutions, ensuring mobility and safety for all travelers.