Wind barriers have been installed on the high-speed rail (HSR) line HSL-Zuid in the Netherlands to minimise the effects of strong winds. This eliminates the previous speed restrictions triggered by a wind warning system, resulting in an average saving of 94 hours of delays per year. High-speed trains (HST) are particularly sensitive to wind, which is why Dutch infrastructure operator ProRail previously used a meteorological monitoring system that triggered speed reductions or stops during strong winds. The new windbreaks mean that trains need to slow down less often, which makes work easier for train drivers and service controllers and reduces maintenance costs. In parallel, ProRail established an external advisory group in June 2025 to advise on the future of HSL-Zuid. The group, consisting of experts from various disciplines, is led by Xaf Utberg and will assist with the renewal of the systems and the repair of the infrastructure. The advisory group meets about four times a year and works closely with ProRail to make the line future-proof.
