In order to continue to keep tram traffic smooth and safe for passengers, a thorough redesign was necessary.
From July 19, tram line T4 in Ghent will again serve the city center. This marks an important milestone after a period of intensive reconstruction and innovations to the tram network. In September 2022, the reconstruction of the Coupure Rechts tram route between the Rozemarijnbrug and Contributiestraat began, an essential intervention to keep tram traffic smooth and safe.
These works made the tram tracks unusable in several places, so De Lijn decided to also renovate other parts of the tram network, including the road surface. This happened in Begijnhoflaan, Sint-Salvatorstraat, Sleepstraat, Grauwpoort and Lange Steenstraat.
From July 19, tram line T4 (Gent UZ – Sint-Pieters – Rabot – Muide – Lange Steenstraat) can serve the entire route again. The temporary shuttle bus P4, which was used during the work, will therefore disappear from the street scene.
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Since the start of the reconstruction of the Coupure, the old tram line 4 has been interrupted. On January 6, 2024, De Lijn's new network was put into use and T4 ran between the UZ and Sint-Pieters station. With the completion of the work, the tram line is now able to serve a wider route, including several important locations in Ghent.
Tram line T4 connects various attraction poles in Ghent: from the Lange Steenstraat stop the line goes to the Muide, the Rabot junction and the Brugsepoort. From there the route continues via the redesigned Coupure and Rozemarijnbrug towards Sint-Pieters station and the University Hospital. This line is crucial because it connects the city center with two important hospitals, AZ Sint-Lucas and UZ Gent, the new Palace of Justice and Sint-Pieters station.
At the Rabot, Brugsepoort and Sint-Pieters station junctions, travelers can easily transfer to other city and regional lines, such as T2, T1 and T3. During peak hours, T4 runs every 10 minutes and provides service from 5.15:23.30 a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., significantly improving accessibility for commuters and visitors.
The reconstruction of the Coupure has now been completed and the area is accessible to traffic again. The new concrete roadway offers comfortable and safe conditions for both trams and motorized traffic. The Theresianenstraat tram stop was rebuilt and is now more accessible to all travelers.
The work in Begijnhoflaan was carried out in two phases. First, the tracks were renovated and the existing alternate track extended. The 'Duizend Vuren' intersection was subsequently redeveloped. These improvements were made possible by removing old overhead lines, tearing out the old tracks and laying new layers to limit vibrations and optimize soil infiltration. 26 new poles for the overhead lines were installed and later this year the tram bed will be greened with grass.
The chestnut trees along the tram bed in Begijnhoflaan received special attention. We worked with a tree expert to ensure that the trees, and in particular their root systems, were treated with care. Other parts of the city were also tackled to make tram traffic safer and more comfortable. From April 2 to July 7, 2024, track and asphalt works took place at various locations, including Sint-Salvatorstraat, Sleepstraat, Grauwpoort and Lange Steenstraat. This work was necessary to maintain the quality of the tram network.
The innovations in the asphalt not only improve safety for cyclists, but also ensure future-proof and smooth tram traffic. The renewed infrastructure guarantees that tram passengers can count on a safe and efficient timetable.
