More than twenty years after TU Delft agreed to the construction of a tram line across the campus, it now seems that it will actually happen. Tram 19 will start running in 2026, according to an information board next to the Aula. Test and trial runs with empty trams will start in March.
(Photo: Marjolein van der Veldt)
Where the sign previously stated: “Tram 19 will run here next year”, it now explicitly states that tram 19 will run in 2026. After years of delays, the launch seems closer than ever. What is the current status?
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A spokesperson for the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH), the organisation responsible for the construction of tram line 19, reports that despite the winter weather, the project is on schedule. Testing is planned from March to August. “We are currently drawing up the schedule. As soon as the exact dates and times are known, we will communicate them via the BouwApp, among other channels.” The BouwApp is an online application for tracking the status of projects.
MRDH is testing the operation of the tram track and the (safety) systems using a regular Avenio tram without passengers. Additional tests are also being carried out on the special system designed to protect research setups at the TU Delft from magnetic radiation.
Before testing can begin, a few more tasks need to be completed. The track in the bend near sports and cultural centre X is not yet ready. According to the spokesperson, this work will be carried out in January and February. On the section between Westvest and Jaffalaan, the MRDH will be carrying out maintenance and repair work on the existing tram track until the end of February.
Finally, tram staff will receive training to enable them to drive on the new route. “Driving on campus does not require any specific skills, but is a regular part of test driving on newly constructed tram routes,” says the spokesperson.
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m.vanderveldt@tudelft.nl
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