Annick De Ridder: Antwerp’s escalator woes won’t be fixed until 2026

Sarhan Basem
Credit: VRT

Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder (N-VA) criticized poor conditions at pre-metro stations, stating renovations won’t finish until 2026. Temporary repairs at Groenplaats aim to keep escalators operational until then.

Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA) recently expressed her frustration about the poor conditions at some pre-metro stations, calling the situation “really unacceptable.” He stated that a full renovation, which includes replacing the escalators and upgrading the entire station, will not be completed until 2026.

What are the current escalator issues at Groenplaats and plans for repairs by 2026?

The escalators are often unreliable and in poor condition, causing problems for commuters. This timeline is a concern for many people. The renovation project aims to fix escalators and address other issues to improve accessibility and safety. While waiting for the full renovation, some temporary fixes may be put in place to help with current problems, but the complete upgrade will take time and a lot of money.

The escalators at Groenplaats, a busy hub in Antwerp, need urgent repairs due to ongoing issues. They will use spare parts from the recently fixed escalators at Meir station. This temporary solution aims to keep the Groenplaats escalators operational until a more comprehensive renovation can be carried out in 2026.

There are no guarantees that the repairs will stop the Groenplaats escalators from breaking down again, as they have a history of long downtimes like other escalators in Antwerp’s metro system. The contractor will begin work on 10th October Thursday, and the repairs are expected to take about three weeks. The goal is to fix the frequent problems and ensure the escalators work properly until the bigger renovation is planned for 2026.

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Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
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