Unique: coastal tram route in Zeebrugge strewn with grass

In recent times, a lot of work has been done on the tram route between the Visartssluis and Blankenberge Duinse Polders. The former tram tracks dated from the 1980s and were due for renewal. The old tram track has been completely removed over a distance of 4 kilometers. That work took two years.

During that time, the coastal tram had to run alternately over one track. After the renewal of the tracks, the overhead wires were also checked.

Unique: green bed

The route is partly provided with a green bed of grass on a concrete surface. It is said that this is unique in Flanders for the time being. The bed is located right next to the new Stationswijk stop.

It is a pilot project, inspired by Germany. This technique uses a concrete substructure instead of wooden sleepers. Grass is sown instead of crushed stone as a top layer. As a result, less preventive maintenance will be required. The city will evaluate the pilot project in four years’ time.

Stop change

The narrow platform of the Vaart stop made it difficult to get on and off. The adjacent Gewestweg also provided few alternative options. That is why it was decided to move the stops about 300 meters and to build two new platforms. The future plans for the construction of a new sea lock have also been taken into account.

The name has also been changed to Zeebrugge Stationswijk. “The new name is more in line with the contemporary local situation close to the station.”