The continuation of the much-discussed Metro Line 3 construction is the only solution to ease the pressure of car traffic in the Brussels municipality of Schaerbeek, stated Mayor Cécile Jodogne.
The mayor of the Brussels municipality insisted on the importance of the project, even if the works turn out to be substantially more expensive than expected.
The Schaerbeek authorities support the Brussels-Capital Region Government's desire to continue the construction of Metro Line 3, despite the various recent roadblocks.
"I remain in favour [of the metro line]. Trams alone will not get us there," Jodogne told L'Echo. "Metro 3 is the only solution to ease the traffic pressure."
Recently, Brussels City mayor Philippe Close asked the Schaerbeek authorities to take a position on the works on Metro Line 3, after both Brussels City and the municipality of Evere already indicated that they definitely want the new line to continue – just as the Brussels regional government does.
Metro 3 is the only way
Several months ago, however, that demand came under pressure when it emerged that the second phase of works (from the North Station to Bordet terminus in Evere) would cost €1.6 billion more than first budgeted – accounting for €3.1 billion in total.
The Brussels government was quick to ask Federal construction manager Beliris for additional funding so that the project could go ahead, but it does not look like the extra money will be granted for now.
"I regret that Karine Lalieux (Federal Minister of Beliris) immediately refused any discussion on such an extension. Discussing does not mean deciding yet," Jodogne said. "Our city council unanimously approved a motion in early July to express our support for the project. I remain in favour of the metro, even with these worrying offers."
The current tram and bus connections in Schaerbeek are already overcrowded and the trams are already running at their maximum capacity, she said. Additionally, an extra tram line is not possible in the densely built-up neighbourhoods around Liedts or Colignon. "Whichever way you turn it, the metro is the only way to tackle the traffic pressure in all the neighbourhoods concerned."
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Other unforeseen costs have already cropped up in the first phase of works on the metro line, from the Albert stop in the south of Brussels to the North Station: the Palais du Midi, under which a new metro station is being built, has to be dismantled.
Jodogne acknowledged that Brussels can not afford more of these surprises on the line, but also emphasised that this situation is different. "We know that the subsoil around the North Station has already been extensively investigated because of the towers there. And I insist that at every step, we check that everything is proceeding correctly."
For now, however, Brussels has not found any budget for the northern extension of the metro.
