Bam consortium formed for Belgium tram line

A Bam, PGGM and Cofely Fabricom consortium has reached financial close for the construction of the public-private partnership tram project Northern Line, in Antwerp, Belgium.

The contract is said to be worth €200 million.

The Northern Line project, also known as Brabo 2, will enable the north of Antwerp to be accessible by tram. The Keyserlei, Meir, Kipdorpbrug and Franklin Roosevelt Place will also become better connected, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to move around easily, according to Bam.

The project will consist of three contracts: a DBFM contract from De Lijn for the tram infrastructure; a design, build, finance and maintain (DBFM) contract from the Flemish State for the surrounding roads; and a design, build and finance (DBF) contract from the City of Antwerp for a short tunnel, the renovation of a drawbridge, creation of public spaces, underground parking and the construction of two 10km rails.

Construction will be carried out by Bam companies from Belgium and the Netherlands, and Cofely Fabricom will be responsible for all mechanical and electrical engineering activities. Construction will begin in March 2016.

The consortium will also be responsible for the maintenance of the civil works and the availability of the tram system during a 28 year concession period.