With two-thirds of the tracks for the new Tram Line 10 already laid on the new route, the construction of the new route between the Brussels city centre and the north of the region is right on track. In autumn 2024, the tram will transport its first passengers.
Construction work for the brand new tram line into the city centre started in April 2022 and the project is well on schedule. Around this time next year, the residents of Neder-Over-Heembeek will be able to easily reach Brussels centre by tram thanks to a direct, fast, high-capacity connection.
"This tram project illustrates how the Region's enormous investments in public transport and public space will really change the lives of Brussels residents," said Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt. "Tram 10 will soon be an efficient solution to open up different neighbourhoods."
"The line will also provide much better connections between the south and the north of the Region and will improve the quality of public spaces for local residents along the 5.5 km long route," she said. "And we can already see how the project will create recreational areas, squares, playgrounds and green spaces, in addition to the tram route."
10-minute city
The line will have ten new stops, including a connection between the tram and buses in Heembeek. Additionally, Brussels Mobility is building footpaths, roads and cycle paths to ensure safe accessibility. During rush hour on weekdays, a tram will run every five minutes.
So far, two-thirds of the tracks have already been laid on the section between Heembeek and the Military Hospital. Now, the construction of the tracks will continue on the Avenue de Tyras, Chemin Vert and Rue de Heembeek. Next summer, the trams will first test the new line without passengers, before taking people on board in autumn.
"As a symbol of the 10-minute city, the progress of the works on the tram line is excellent news. This city project will provide a renewed and connected neighbourhood, just a few minutes from all amenities," said City of Brussels mayor Philippe Close. "At peak times, tram 10 is estimated to be able to transport up to 2,400 passengers per hour – a tenth of the population of Neder-Over-Heembeek."
Credit: STIB
In recent years, the population of Neder-Over-Heembeek has grown significantly (to approximately 32,000) and with current demographic trends, this number could grow to nearly 40,000 by 2035 – which is expected to lead to around 30,000 additional trips per day.
In total, line 10 will be about 9 km long, as it will be grafted onto the existing connection between Rogier and Heembeek and continue to the Military Hospital. Additionally, it will connect to a number of other trams, buses and trains at the North Station, as well as metro lines 2 and 6 at Rogier.
