Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Brussels Metro Line 3, led by Elke Van den Brandt, faces challenges with a €4.6 billion budget and construction delays. The project aims to connect Albert to Bordet by 2031.
Outgoing Minister of Mobility Elke Van den Brandt shared updates on metro line 3 in response to Benjamin Dalle’s question. He mentioned that the work on Albert station is progressing well and will become a transport hub. The construction of Toots Thielemans station is almost complete, which allowed for the redevelopment of Stalingradlaan in 2025. There is also a plan to help local businesses affected by these changes.
What challenges are facing phase II of Brussels metro line 3 expansion?
Phase II of the project from North Station to Bordet is dealing with a new problem. In spring 2023, two contractors submitted bids to build a 4.5-kilometer tunnel, seven stations, and a metro depot in Haren. However, the bids were much higher than expected. The Brussels government asked Beliris to look closely at the bids to find ways to lower the costs. Beliris checked the bids for the metro project and found some issues. One bid might be fixed, which means there would be only one valid offer and no competition. To fix this, Beliris wants to take a break and start a new public tender. This way, they can change the project requirements and try to lower the costs.
Beliris is considering different ways to move forward with the metro project, such as breaking the tender into smaller parts or creating a partnership with private companies. At North Station, there’s a problem with a tunnel that has hit groundwater, which might affect train services. Discussions are happening with Infrabel and NMBS, and a decision is expected by the end of the year, along with extra costs. The cost for metro line 3 has now reached 4.6 billion euros, and if everything goes as planned, it could be ready by 2031, but funding is still needed. The outgoing Brussels government is looking for support from the new federal government.
