A new tram line is on its way in Brussels, as Brussels Mobility and public transport operator STIB/MIVB have submitted an urban development permit for the construction of tram line 15 to connect Belgica with the North Station, and eventually the city centre.
The new line will initially connect the Belgica stop in the municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean to Brussels North station. At a later stage, it will be extended to the Central Station in the city centre, and possibly to Ixelles.
"Tram 15 is an essential link to improve the service provided to citizens in the north-west of Brussels, but also for the quality of life in the Maritime district," said outgoing Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen).
"It is also an excellent opportunity to turn this fully paved axis into an asset for Molenbeek, with green areas that promote water infiltration, spaces to relax, greater road safety and fast and comfortable public transport," she said.
Tram line 15. Credit: Brussels Mobility
The public inquiry will run until 3 July 2025, and a consultation committee is scheduled for 17 July 2025. Citizens can consult the plans on openpermits.brussels and make their opinion known via their municipality.
"When the construction for the tram line will start, or when the works will be completed, is hard to say. It will depend on the results of the public inquiry," Steven Fierens, spokesperson for Brussels Mobility, told The Brussels Times.
While tram line 15 was initially foreseen for 2027, Fierens explained that much will depend on the priorities of the next Brussels Government.
Crossing Jette, Molenbeek and City of Brussels
The tram will offer a "high-quality, comfortable and 100% connection" between Jette, Molenbeek and the City of Brussels. It will run on its own track and serve the Belgica, Vanderstichelen, Picard, Suzan Daniel, Bolivar, and North Station stops.
In a second phase, the aim is to extend the line via Boulevard Pachéco to the Central Station. In the long term, tram line 15 would cross the entire Brussels-Capital Region diagonally: from northwest to southeast, towards Ixelles.
As part of the construction of the new line, the public space will be completely redesigned. This will ensure a more balanced distribution of public space between pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and car and freight traffic. Additionally, green areas that promote water infiltration, and rest and play areas, will also be created.
The re-imagined Boulevard Simon Bolivar. Credit: Brussels Mobility
At the Belgica metro station, the roundabout on Place Philippe Werrie (Jette) will be transformed into a T-junction, allowing the public space for terraces, pavements and green areas to be expanded.
Traffic figures show that a roundabout is not necessary at this location: the main traffic flows via Boulevard Belgica and Avenue Charles Woeste. This axis will remain accessible via the Avenue Carton de Wiart, which will be adapted to increase traffic safety and promote an adjusted speed.
With the construction of the tram line, the public space in the Rue Vanderstichelen and the Rue Picard will be completely redesigned to create more space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, while maintaining good accessibility for motorists.
To reduce the risk of flooding in the lower part of the Rue Picard and the Avenue du Port, the infiltration of rainwater will be improved.
Trees and parking spaces
The tram will cross the canal via the Suzan Daniel bridge, which was specially designed for this purpose. At the same time, the Boulevard Simon Bolivar will be transformed into a green boulevard where pedestrians and people with reduced mobility can easily move around.
The temporary terminus of tram line 15 will be at Place Simon Bolivar, with a technical terminus on the corner of the Rue des Charbonniers. In a second phase, the tram line will be extended to the Central Station in the middle of the city centre.
Along the entire route, 180 trees will be planted. Street furniture and benches will also be installed to make the space more pleasant.
The outgoing Regional Government is aware that the parking issue cannot be ignored and will accompany this project with "measures to compensate for parking spaces in places where they need to be removed."
