EQUANS collaborated on one of the largest sustainable mobility projects in Belgium and has been tasked with maintaining the installations for the next 25 years.
It took almost four years and nine months to complete this gigantic infrastructure project. Noorderlijn, named after the tram line that now connects the centre of Antwerp with the north of the city, was completed in December 2020 and the teams of TramContractors – the consortium of which EQUANS is a member – should be proud of their achievement. Starting in March 2016, a tight schedule and a lot of hard work were lavished on this project aimed at optimising traffic in Antwerp. The result? More efficient mobility, enhanced safety, and a better quality of life in the city centre, with two new tram lines EQUANS will maintain for the next 25 years.
Multi-technical skills
As part of this turnkey contract, EQUANS was responsible for all technical and electromechanical installations. The works carried out included the construction of the overhead lines for the 7 km of new tram lines, the installation of the five traction stations, the installation of a fibre-optic communication network, the technical installations in the new underground car park and the tunnel under the Operaplein and the Rooseveltplaats, as well as the renovation of the Londenbrug, the installation of LED lighting, a traffic control system, etc. EQUANS engaged no fewer than 30 engineers, 8 site managers, 50 employees and numerous subcontractors for this project.
Accessible city centre
Throughout the construction period, EQUANS and its partners did everything possible to keep the city centre accessible and to minimise the impact of the site on shops and residents. For instance, the various parties involved (the city of Antwerp, EQUANS, the contractor BAM, the mobility service, traffic police, etc.) took measures based on the BLVC plan (Accessibility Liveability Safety Communication) to limit the nuisance in each phase of the works. How do you integrate the site into its surroundings, adapt the signage or ensure the safety of the staff and users? Nothing was left to chance. Important communication tools, such as a website and a special platform, were also set up to distribute information and communicate with residents.
24/7 supervision
Another special feature of the project was that the maintenance teams were involved right from the start of the works. As part of the DBFM contracts with De Lijn and the Flemish Roads and Traffic Agency, the TramContractors Onderhoud consortium, which includes EQUANS, will be responsible for maintaining the technical equipment and the tram line for the next 25 years. Troubleshooting, corrective or preventive maintenance, etc. Every effort has been made to ensure the continuity of service of the installations. A problem on the tram line? A door that doesn’t close properly? A fire alarm that goes off? Our monitoring system (SCADA) allows us to remotely detect the slightest deviation and, if necessary, send a technician to attend. What’s more, a security service and assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our objective? To guarantee the comfort and safety of staff and end users in all circumstances.
