The Flemish public transport company De Lijn is reported to be considering the closure of the tram tunnel between Antwerp City Centre and the city’s Left Bank for 7 months rather than 4 for renovation work. The closure of the tunnel will have a big impact on those that use tram routes 3,5,9 and 15. However, the Flemish Transport Minister Mobiliteit Annick De Ridder (nationalist) says that the carrying the work out in one go and closing the tunnel for 7 months is only a proposal that was made by De Lijn in the working party that is making the preparations for the renovation.
Tram tunnel under the River Scheldt to close for 7 months for renovation work?
Published:
Updated:
The original plan had been to carry out the renovation of the Brabo Tunnel in 2 phases. During phase 1 the tunnel was to have remained closed for 4 months. However, it De Lijn is reportedly considering closing the tunnel for 7 months and carrying out the work all in one go.
The Christian democrats that are in the opposition on Antwerp City Council are concerned and describe the idea of closing the tunnel for 7 months as unacceptable. They fear that it wiould result in gridlock on the city’s roads.
The Christian democrats’ group leader on Antwerp City Council Pieter De Cock told VRT News that "The underground tram is the artery of our public transport network. Now, during the work on the Oosterweel Link, public transport will prove essential every day. Closing the link between the city centre and the Left Bank for 7 months, if indeed it turns out to be just 7 months, is not an option”.
Previous, the greens, who are also in the opposition on Antwerp City Council, called for a plan of action for the period when the tunnel is out of use.
Leaked proposal
The Flemish Transport Minister Annick De Ridder says that no decision has been made on whether the tunnel will be closed for 7 months. She added that “The intention is to provide clarity within the next few weeks. This will give us the opportunity to explain to people why we have to carry out the work and also for us to inform them of what alternative will be provided”.
Ms De Ridder is, for example, thinking about the provision of shuttle buses between the Left Bank and Antwerp City Centre and ferry services across the River Scheldt.
Work to start in May next year
The renovation work on the various underground tram tunnels in Antwerp is due to start in May next year. Originally the work was to have been carried out in various phases. This would have meant that the tunnel between Groenplaats and Linkeroever would have been closed for 4 months. However, iuf all the work is carried out in 1 phase, the tunnel will be closed for 7 months. Marco Demerling of De Lijn says that the Flemish public transport company is examining whether the work could be completed more quickly.