A temporary bus route will be launched on Monday to make up for transport disruptions affecting mostly Saint-Gilles, Forest, and Ixelles, announced the Brussels public transport company, STIB/MIVB.
Starting this summer, Belgium's capital will undergo several major infrastructure projects, particularly in the southern part of the region. The aim is to address mobility issues by increasing the comfort of pedestrians and improving the reliability and frequency of public transport.
Among the planned works are the replacement of old tram tracks, improvements to pedestrian crossings, and the creation of more accessible tram stops.
The work on the infrastructure will impact the transport network in Brussels, affecting the tram lines 81, 82 and 97. While Tram 82 will be limited to Wiels until the end of August, Tram 97 will be temporarily out of service. Similarly, the Tram 81 line will be suspended between Barrière and Flagey from 5 July.
Overview of disruptions and alternative routes. Credit: STIB/MIVB
Starting from 9 June, a temporary bus line with bus 96 will offer alternative travel routes to the three affected tram lines. The line will initially run between Neerstalle and Ma Campagne via La Barrière. The temporary service will be extended to Flagey later this summer.
Local bus lines 49, 50, 52,54, and 74 will remain available to passengers. The route for bus 49 will be adjusted to allow for more connections. Meanwhile, the transport service of bus line 50 will be available with increased frequency to meet demands.
To travel between Uccle-Stalle, Forest-Est, and Brussels-Midi stops, passengers with valid STIB/MIVB tickets can continue to use the train on line S1.
Tram 82 is expected to be able to serve Place Saint-Denis and Neerstalle from the end of August. However, construction work in Saint-Gilles and Ixelles is set to continue until the end of next year, STIB/MIVB warned in a press release.
Tram. Credit: STIB/MIVB
Despite ongoing disruptions to public transport, several of the regional infrastructure projects have been grouped to minimise the impact on residents and mobility, STIB/MIVB noted.
In Avenue du Parc in Forest and Saint-Gilles, a renewal of the sewerage network is planned as preparatory work for the redevelopment of the area. The project aims to improve road safety and contribute to improving green spaces in public areas.
Similarly, the sewerage network around Rue du Baulli in Ixelles and Brussels City will be renovated, followed by a tram track renewal and reconstruction of nearby pavements.
Additionally, work on renovating the tram line network alongside public spaces will take place at La chaussée de Bruxelles in Forest.
Meanwhile, at Rue Moris and Rue Antoine Bréart in Saint-Gilles, the underground network renovation will be followed by works to replace old tram tracks. The project aims to facilitate tram traffic and redevelop the public space.
Computer generated image of Rue Moris after construction work. Credit: STIB/MIVB
Nonetheless, while new construction projects begin, the end of some construction work affecting the transport network is currently in sight. The renovation of the tracks on Avenue de la Reine will be completed in mid-June, meaning the Masui stops, used for tram 10 services, will be back in service.
Meanwhile, the tram infrastructure work along Avenue de Tervuren is set to be completed by the end of June, allowing tram line 44 to return to its usual transport route.
