New tram line planned for northern Brussels from 2025

Plans have been unveiled for a new tram line linking the north of Brussels with the city centre, which could enter service from 2025.

The tram will provide a much-needed extra connection to Neder-Over-Heembeek, the northernmost part of the City of Brussels, which is seeing rapid population growth.

Starting at the Queen Astrid military hospital, the new route will pass Ferme Nos Pilifs and wind its way through the centre of Neder-Over-Heembeek, passing the Place Peter Benoît and Zavelput.

It will then join up with what is currently tram line 3 and follow its route over the canal to Docks Bruxsel shopping centre, to Brussels North station and terminating at Rogier. Tram 3 will eventually be replaced by a new metro line, from Albert in Forest to Bordet station on the border of Evere and Haren.

The Brussels region, City of Brussels and Stib conducted an impact assessment last year, looking at different transport options between Neder-Over-Heembeek and the city centre.

Residents were consulted over the route, via an online survey and five steering committee meetings in the latter half of 2019.

The plan will now be put to a vote by the City of Brussels municipal council on 10 February. The route also passes through Schaerbeek, using existing tram lines.

If approved, planning permission could be granted in late 2021, with building work beginning in early 2023.

Starting in March, Neder-Over-Heembeek will also get a new bus connection to Schuman, passing via Docks Bruxsel shopping centre and Schaerbeek town hall.