The Walloon government will allocate another 79 million euros to finalize works on the new Liège tramway. These have been seriously delayed, much to the annoyance of traders and residents. The amount comes on top of the 450 million euros initially planned.

The modern 11,5 km tram line will connect Standard’s stadium to the Coronmeuse district and cut right through the city center. The project should significantly boost public transport and curb car traffic.

Unforeseen issues

In February, mediation had already begun between Walloon transport operator OTW (the parent company of the TEC) and the Tram’Ardent consortium to realize the site. The tramline should have been operational by October 2022.

But according to the companies of the consortium, which consists of the French construction firm Colas, the Spanish tram manufacturer CAF, and the Dutch infrastructure fund DIF, the significant delays are due to a series of unforeseen issues since the start of the construction site, such as the corona pandemic, floods, high prices for materials, and the discovery of underground structures.

However, at the risk of seeing the consortium go bankrupt, the Region agreed to enter into mediation with the private players to deliver the tram. According to the Walloon government, the most inconvenient works for Liège residents will be completed by December 2023. The first trams carrying passengers are planned for January 2025. Test with empty trams could take place from the end of August 2024.

No tram service in Liège since 1967

However, the additional funds still require the fiat of the Institute of National Accounts. Walloon Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo (PS) also clarified that fines are foreseen if specific deadlines are unmet.

The European Investment Bank also already provided a loan of almost 200 million euros for constructing the new tramline in Liège, which will be operated until 2053 by OTW.

The last tram was taken out of service in Liège in 1967. At the end of the 1970s, the construction of a metro was envisaged. A tunnel was even already being built under the quays of the city.

However, the metro never saw the light of day, and the tunnel went down in history as one of Belgium’s great useless works. The cost and scale of the works announced provoked an outcry that ultimately led to the project being abandoned.

Besides constructing the 11,5 km Line 1, constructing a second line planned between Ans and Vaux-sous-Chèvremont near Chaudfontaine is optional.