Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Flanders’ Gentspoort (€1 billion) will expand Ghent’s tram network by 10 km, improve Kortrijksesteenweg, and add Parkbos terminus facilities; Marijn Struyfs clarifies plans. The information session is on Dec 10, 2025, at Sint-Martens-Latem hall.
As VRT News reported, Flanders has revealed a major plan to improve transport in and around Ghent. The project, named Gentspoort, could cost up to €1 billion. It includes expanding the city’s tram network with new lines and longer routes. A key part of the plan is moving the city ring road underground at Heuvelpoort and Dampoort.
What impact will Gentspoort’s 10 km tram expansion have on Sint-Martens-Latem?
In Sint-Martens-Latem, the tram expansion has raised concerns. Currently, the line ends at Flanders Expo in Sint-Denijs-Westrem, but extending it toward Sint-Martens-Latem has sparked debate. Residents and local leaders are worried about construction disruptions, environmental effects, and changes to the town’s quiet character.
“People think the tram will run all the way to Sint-Martens-Latem, but that’s not true. The misunderstanding arose from soil surveyson Kortriksesteenweg,”
says Marijn Struyfs of Gentspoort.
“The intention is to create a longer tram connection all the way to the entrance of Parkbos on Kortrijksesteenweg. The final stop will be on Ghent territory; that is and remains the intention,”
Struyfs emphasises.
“Traffic will no longer be limited to two lanes in each direction. The plans provide for one lane in each direction. This doesn’t mean traffic flow will be compromised. We’re going to address the traffic lights and intersections so traffic can continue to flow smoothly,”
Struyfs emphasises.
“We understand the concerns, and that’s why we’re providing further explanation.”
New pedestrian and cycling paths will run along Kortrijksesteenweg. The project will add more trees and greenery at new tram stops. At the Parkbos terminus, a large bicycle parking area will be built. Authorities are also studying a park-and-ride facility to help commuters use both cars and trams. The project will extend the tram network by 10 kilometres of tracks.
Passengers will be able to travel from Parkbos to Dampoort, and a new tram line will also be built on the other side of Ghent to improve access to the main railway station, which currently has a busy bus station but no tram connection.
The municipality of Sint-Martens-Latem will hold an information session on December 10th, 2025, at the town hall from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Representatives from Gentspoort will provide full details and answer questions.
“A lot of studies need to be done, because the project also includes Ghent’s city centre. A total of 10 kilometres of tram tracks will be added. We hope to be able to start the work in 2029.”
Gentspoort began in spring 2022, when the Flemish government hired engineering firm Sweco Belgium to study and design new tram connections and tunnels under key junctions like Gent‑Dampoort and Heuvelpoort. As of March 2024, the project team had unveiled preliminary plans showing 10 kilometres of additional tram tracks, new street and square layouts, and improved space for pedestrians and cyclists.
