Groningen–Leer line reopens a decade after ship hit bridge

The Friesenbrücke at Weener opens for shipping on the Ems. Its opening times are one reason most weekday trains to Leer will not yet run direct. Photo: DB.

CROSS-BORDER: The railway between Groningen in the Netherlands and Leer in Germany has reopened, more than 10 years after a cargo ship destroyed its bridge over the Ems. Regular Dutch-German passenger services are due to start on 5 October, but most weekday passengers will have to change trains in the Dutch town of Winschoten.