Work on new metro line halted in Schaarbeek
The new metro line is supposed to be up and running by 2024. Test tunnelling started recently.
The new metro line is an ambitious project that will attempt to address growing congestion in the capital and ease the pressure on pre-metro tram lines that complete part of their journey underground. The pre-metro between Albert and the Brussels North Station should be turned into a proper metro line by 2021. Three years later the line should extend to Evere through Schaarbeek. By this time driverless trains will also have been introduced. The new line involves an investment of a million euros.
The Mayor of Schaarbeek Bernard Clerfayt explains his decision to halt the work: "We have not been involved. We want consultations" he told Brussel Deze Week. The mayor adds that Schaarbeek is in favour of the new line, but "we wouldn't want the test drilling to lead to concern and protests on the streets that would jeopardise the construction of the new line."
The Schaarbeek mayor now has a meeting planned with Beliris, the government agency carrying out the test drilling ahead of proper tunnelling work. Until then the works have been halted. Mr Clerfayt has meanwhile ordered a study to help in the decision on the location of the new metro stations.
