Transport & mobility

Noorderlijn: on the road to sustainable mobility in Antwerp

14 May 2020

Transport & mobility

Noorderlijn: on the road to sustainable mobility in Antwerp

14 May 2020

To improve quality of life for the citizens of Antwerp, EQUANS is taking part in the deployment of a large-scale city-wide green transport plan.

Redeveloping public spaces and developing new forms of sustainable transport are part of EQUANS’ mission. So when the Antwerp council decided to give the city a makeover and begin one of its most ambitious projects, we were right there by its side. As contractors in the Tramcontractors consortium, we take care of all the technical facilities. The two new tram lines were officially opened at the end of 2019. The goal? To improve accessibility between the city centre, the Eilandje and the north of Antwerp.

Optimising traffic and user comfort

The construction of these new tram lines is part of the Flemish government’s Master Plan 2020. Ultimately, it aims to improve traffic and the quality of life of Antwerp’s residents. And for good reason! This project not only includes the construction of new tram lines, but also improvements in road safety. This includes, large avenues being redesigned, public spaces being redeveloped and connections between some roads, squares and neighbourhoods improved with simplified access for pedestrians and cyclists; meaning the city can be reached by all means of transport.

Multi-technical skills

EQUANS is involved on all fronts of these major infrastructure developments, including electromechanical works, installation of a fibre optic communication network, construction of catenaries for the new tram lines, installation of 5 traction substations for energy transformation between the high-voltage network and the tram network, renovation of the London Bridge and renewal of public lighting and traffic lights. Not to mention the technical installations of the new underground car park and the tunnel under the Opera Square.

More attractive and greener cities

Public transport infrastructure is key to increasing the attractiveness of cities, but also to giving every resident the opportunity to take practical action for the environment. This construction site – carried out under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between De Lijn, the City of Antwerp, the Vlaams Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer and the consortium Tramcontractors, which we belong to with BAM – is a good example of this. It demonstrates how EQUANS is the partner par excellence for all major green mobility projects.