De Lijn is using increased government funding to modernize the 50-year-old network and prepare it for the future.
De Lijn, the Flemish public transport company, has announced plans to undergo a major renovation of the Antwerp pre-metro, with work scheduled to start in 2026. The project comes at a crucial time, as the network approaches its 50th anniversary and shows signs of wear. The focus of the renewal will be on both the Left Bank and the Right Bank of the city. The measure is intended to guarantee service provision for decades to come, in light of increasing concerns about comfort and safety.
The plans for renovation are supported by an increase in government funding for tram infrastructure. The Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Lydia Peeters, has in the past emphasized the need for investments in the tram network. This has resulted in financing of EUR 30 million in 2022, an amount that is expected to increase to EUR 45 to 50 million in the coming years. In addition to the renovation of the premetro, there are also plans to complete the last premetro tunnel and four stations and to purchase 58 new tram vehicles for the Antwerp region.
The renovation is part of a broader catch-up operation that De Lijn is currently carrying out in urban areas such as Antwerp and Ghent, as well as on the coast. The prioritization of the route sections to be renovated is determined by an analysis that takes into account various factors, including the age of the tracks, frequency of use, environmental considerations, legislation and strategic importance.
Regarding the technical aspects, De Lijn has opted for a 'slab track' system for the renovation. This means that the current ballast bed will be replaced by a concrete supporting structure to which the tracks will be attached. This system offers advantages in terms of maintenance and sustainability.
However, the large-scale renovation will not be without obstacles. The work will cause temporary disruptions to services, with the transport company promising to provide 'reduced disruption measures'. Efforts will, among other things, focus on combined mobility and the availability of public transport at the Scheldt crossings to minimize the impact on travelers as much as possible.
The renovation will be carried out in three phases, starting in 2026 and continuing until 2027. The work will affect both the Left Bank and the Right Bank of Antwerp and temporary service disruptions are unavoidable.
