To open for service in 2024
Detailed engineering design and development work is to get underway shortly for the construction of a third metro route through the centre of Brussels, following approval of the scheme by the Brussels Capital Region administration on March 26. The fully-automated Bordet – Albert Line is expected to open for revenue service in 2024.
Under the proposals agreed between the region, city transport operator STIB and the federal government’s investment fund for the capital, Beliris, the line would combine the existing north-south premetro tram tunnel between Brussels Nord and Albert via Brussels Midi with an extension at the northern end.
STIB is likely to begin public consultation for the project at the end of this year. Beliris says construction of the extension would start in 2019, with a single 9•8 m diameter tunnel being excavated using a tunnel boring machine.
– This new metro line is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Brussels for the next decade’, said the region’s Minister for Mobility & Public Works Pascal Smet.
Along with the remodelling and pedestrianisation of streets in the city centre, the project will, according to Pascal Smet, improve mobility and contribute to a better quality of life for residents, commuters and tourists.
http://www.railwaybulletin.com/2015/04/brussels-third-metro-project-begins