Tram traffic in the Brussels municipality of Evere will be disrupted by major infrastructure works until mid-2027 as public transport operator STIB/MIVB is renewing the 30-year-old tracks in the area.
The tram tracks in Rue Edouard Stuckens and Rue Henri Van Hamme in Evere were installed in 1992-1993 and are therefore more than 30 years old. They will be replaced over a length of 1,100 metres, and equipped with anti-vibration mats to limit the inconvenience of tram traffic.
"The works will affect tram line 55. Until 20 May, the line will be restricted to Verboekhoeven, so a temporary terminus can be built at Tilleul/Linde," STIB/MIVB said in a press release.
From Wednesday 21 May, tram line 55 will be interrupted between Tilleul/Linde and Da Vinci. It will not serve the Paix/Vrede, Fonson, Van Cutsem, Bordet Station and Da Vinci stops until mid-2027. "This gives time to organise the work on the sewerage and tracks in several phases. That way, the impact on the neighbourhood will remain limited."
Credit: STIB/MIVB
Several bus lines will be adapted and modified to continue to serve as broad an area as possible: bus line 59 will be modified to serve the Place de la Paix/Vrede and Place de Helmet, and bus line 69 will be extended to Verboekhoven so that two bus routes connect with tram 55.
"The adaptation of both bus routes will ensure service to the neighbourhood, without the use of a replacement shuttle bus. From Bordet, tram 62 or bus 65 may also be an alternative."
Initially, the works will involve sewerage works by water company Vivaqua. These are outdated and need to be replaced over a length of 510 metres. The connections to the houses will also be renewed. "These works are necessary for optimal drainage of wastewater (sanitary facilities, washing machine, etc.)."
Replacing the tram tracks is part of STIB/MIVB's maintenance and renewal plan for the tram network in Brussels. The company manages more than 150 km of tramlines. On average, more than 10 km of tram tracks are renewed every year.
By systematically maintaining and replacing worn tram tracks, STIB/MIVB ensures that the tram network remains safe and performing.
