Antwerp Pre-metro
The Antwerp Premetro is a network consisting of lines 2, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 15 of the Antwerp Tram system. It is a metre gauge system, which runs underground in the city centre and further out on surface lines, which are separated from motor vehicle traffic. It was intended eventually to evolve into a full metro, similar to the Brussels Metro or German Stadtbahnen (light railways).
History
It was planned at the beginning of the 1970s to build a fully underground network with a length of 15 km and comprising 22 stations. However, due to financial difficulties, only 18 stations have been built. Seven stations built in the late 1980s are unused. The opening of one station (Zegel) is included in the Pegasus Plan. Other stations along the tunnel will not be opened, but an above ground extension will be constructed. The network is now operated by De Lijn.
The first 1.3 km section opened on 25 May 1975 between Opera, Meir and Groenplaats. Further sections were opened in 1980, 1990, 1996 and 2006. Diamant station was renovated in 2009.
Stations
- Astrid (partly opened in 1996, connecting with the Central station)
- Diamant (opened in 1980, connecting with the Central station)
- Elisabeth (opened in 1996)
- Frederik van Eeden (opened in 1990)
- Groenplaats (opened in 1975)
- Handel (opened in 1996)
- Meir (opened in 1975)
- Opera (partly opened in 1975)
- Plantin (opened in 1980)
- Schijnpoort (opened in 1996)
- Sport (opened in 1996)
- Carnot (not in use)
- Drink (not in use)
- Zegel (opened in 2015)
- Collegelaan (not in use)
- Morckhoven (not in use)
- Foorplein (not in use)
- Sint-Willibrordus (not in use)
- Stuivenberg (not in use)
The stations Astrid and Opera are only partly opened in that they both have unused platforms. Astrid will be renovated during 2013 and Opera will be renovated starting in 2015. The unused platforms will be in use once each renovation is completed.
Pegasus Plan
In the original plan a route was proposed from the south-western suburbs via Opera and Astrid to the eastern suburbs. This line was built but construction stopped in the 1980s due to lack of funds. The stations still have to be decorated and the track still has to be laid.
Under the Pegasus plan (approved in 2004) several tram lines will be built to the eastern suburbs, using some of the tunnels abandoned in the 1980s, including stations at Opera, Astrid and Zegel.
More information about the "Sleeping Premetro" in Dutch
See also
- Trams in Antwerp
- Tram route 3 (Antwerp)
- List of rapid transit systems
External links
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