A new Brussels tram line is on its way, as Brussels Mobility and public transport operator STIB are applying for an urban development permit for the construction of tram line 15 to connect Belgica with the North Station.
The new tram line will initially connect the Belgica stop in the municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean to Brussels North station, and at a later stage it will be extended to the Central station in the city centre. As part of the construction of the line, the public space along the route will be completely redesigned.
"This new tram line will connect the Maritime District with the North Station. From there, the tram will continue to Central Station," said Brussels Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Elke Van den Brandt.
Credit: Brussels Mobility
"This project will also improve the Maritime District because Rue Picard will have trees and wide pavements. This will make Parc Maximilien and the Maritime and Northern Districts greener and more liveable," she added.
As part of the construction of the new tram line, the public space will be completely redesigned, distributing the space more evenly among pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and car and freight traffic. It will also create more space for water infiltration, rest areas, and play and green elements.
"With this redesign, we are creating a connection between the Maritime District and Tour & Taxis. People can then reach the North Station more easily from here," Van den Brandt said. "We are strengthening the bond with the canal and creating a real meeting place here, which young and old alike can enjoy."
Terraces and green space
In the first phase, tram line 15 will connect Belgica with the North station. "Following on from the Neder-Over-Heembeek tram, this line is the next extension. STIB is continuing its efforts to further expand the network, for bus, tram and metro lines, thereby contributing to the regional mobility policy."
Five Brussels municipalities collaborated to create the tram line, along with public services such as Urban, STIB and Bouwmeester maître architecte (BMA).
At Belgica metro station, the roundabout on Place Werrie will make way for terraces and green space, as traffic figures have shown that a roundabout is unnecessary; the main traffic flows run via Boulevard Belgica and Avenue Woeste.
Place Bolivar. Credit: Brussels Mobility
This axis will also remain accessible from Avenue Carton de Wiart, which will be designed in such a way that traffic becomes safer and the infrastructure invites people to drive at an adapted speed.
As part of the construction of the tram line, the public space on Rue Vanderstichelen and Rue Picard will also be completely redesigned, creating more space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, while maintaining access for motorists.
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The tram will cross the canal via the Suzan Daniel Bridge (which was partly designed for this purpose), and Boulevard Simon Bolivar will be transformed into a green boulevard with good access for pedestrians and people with reduced mobility.
The provisional terminus for passengers using tram line 15 is located on Place Bolivar, with a technical terminus around the corner in Rue des Charbonniers. Numerous trees and shrubs will be planted along the entire route and there will be street furniture and benches for pedestrians to relax on.
The start of the works is scheduled for 2026.
