Following two months of nighttime test runs, tram 19 has also been undergoing daytime testing on the campus since this week. Operator HTM is running trial runs on the new route between Delft station and the Van den Broekweg stop to check whether the line functions safely and reliably.
Until the end of June, the trams will run according to the future timetable, but still without passengers. The test runs take place on weekdays between 8:00 and 18:00. Traffic lights, stops, signals, switches and other systems along the route are being tested in the process. On a few days, trams will also run in the evening, so that the functioning of the systems in the dark can be checked.
For the first time in 22 years
The daytime tests follow the first nighttime test runs, which took place in early April. At that time, a tram ran across the campus for the first time, 22 years after the plans for the line were given the green light.
The arrival of tram 19 has a long history. Since the project was approved in 2004, construction has repeatedly been delayed. For instance, measures had to be taken to limit vibrations and electromagnetic radiation affecting sensitive research equipment. The Sint Sebastiaansbrug also turned out to be unsuitable for the new tram traffic and had to be replaced. In addition, part of the track had to be relaid after problems were discovered with an underground high-voltage cable.
If the current trial runs are successful, tram 19 should officially start running from the beginning of the coming academic year. It will then form a fast connection between Leidschendam, Delft station and the campus.
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