Israel Rail Service Suspended at Ben Gurion and Modiin Stations for Track Connection Work
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Israel Railways will halt train service at Ben Gurion Airport and Modiin stations during two weekends in late August and early September 2026 for critical construction connecting Route 431 to the national rail network. Free shuttle buses will replace trains, and full service will resume Sunday mornings. The Route 431 project aims to improve connectivity between southern Israel, Modiin, and Jerusalem, with an expected opening in 2027 or 2028.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel Railways suspends service at Ben Gurion and Modiin stations late August and early September 2026.
- Suspensions start Thursday nights and last through Saturdays, with trains resuming Sundays at 4 a.m.
- Free shuttle buses will operate at affected stations during the shutdowns.
- Work is for connecting new Route 431 to the national rail network, including bridges and tunnels.
- Route 431 will ease traffic on Highway 1 and Tel Aviv-Jerusalem rail line, opening expected 2027 or 2028.
- Additional service changes occur August 20-22 for safety upgrades on northern and southern lines.
Israel Railways will suspend train service at Ben Gurion Airport and Modiin stations during two weekends in late August and early September 2026 due to construction connecting the new Route 431 to the national rail network. The first suspension will begin on Thursday, August 27 at around 10 p.m., continuing through Friday and Saturday, August 28-29. The second suspension will occur from Thursday, September 3 at 10 p.m. through Saturday, September 5. Train service will resume each Sunday at 4 a.m. during these periods.
During the shutdown, free shuttle buses will operate at the affected stations to accommodate travelers. The work is part of the final phase of the Route 431 project, which includes laying 30 kilometers of new double-track electrified rail, building new stations in Rishon Lezion and Ramla, constructing Israel's longest railway bridge (3.5 km), and tunneling under major roads. Route 431 will connect southern, central, and Shephelah communities with Modiin and Jerusalem, aiming to alleviate heavy traffic on Highway 1 and the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem high-speed rail line.
The full opening of Route 431 is expected in 2027, though some estimates suggest 2028. Additionally, from August 20 to 22, Israel Railways will implement significant service changes on other lines for safety upgrades, including partial closures and station shutdowns on routes between Modiin, Haifa, Beersheba, and other northern stations. Free shuttle buses and increased regular bus service will support affected passengers during these times.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 2
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
