The new city bridge in Rotterdam will preferably have a tram running, transporting passengers from Zuidplein to Kralingse Zoom within 15 minutes. This decision was made by the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam The Hague (MRDH), and the Ministries of Infrastructure and Water Management and Housing and Spatial Planning.
The preference is for a tram because it can carry more passengers per trip. Additionally, it allows for more greenery in the streetscape. The parties are still working out several conditions for a final decision.
Fits the Character of Rotterdam
The new city bridge will ensure better connectivity between Rotterdam South and North. It will also allow residents of the 30,000 new homes in the Oostflank. Link opens an external page to easily reach home, work, school, and sports.
Alderman Tim Versnel (including New City Bridge and National Program Rotterdam South): I am glad that all parties unanimously choose the tram for the new city bridge. The tram fits the character of Rotterdam, integrates well into the existing public transport network, offers more capacity, and is easier to expand if the number of passengers grows in the future.
Martina Huijsmans, regional administrator MRDH: By opting for a fast tram connection over the new city bridge, we are taking an important step towards even better accessibility of the Rotterdam region.
Choice Between Tram or Bus
After extensive research, the involved parties had a choice between a tram or a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This bus is comparable to a tram but runs on tires on a dedicated bus lane.
The advantages and disadvantages of a tram and BRT were listed by public transport experts and discussed with district councils and residents organizations along the new public transport route. The clients prefer the tram. However, they need to further develop some aspects for this final choice. They are investigating whether the tram can connect well to the Zuidplein metro and bus station. The construction must also fit within the budget. Additionally, the Municipality of Rotterdam and the MRDH need to agree on the annual costs for operation, management, and maintenance of the trams.
With the preference for a tram, the City Bridge and Public Transport project office can further develop the tram route and plans for the Stadionpark station. By the end of 2026, it should be clear whether the designs and investment estimates for the tram, station, and bridge fit within the agreements and budget.
New Rotterdam Bridge
Rotterdam will get a new city bridge in the eastern part of the city. This will be the third bridge, after the Willemsbrug and the Erasmusbrug. The design is not yet known. Construction of the bridge is expected to start between 2030 and 2035.
The new bridge will run from the Nesserdijk in Polder De Esch in Kralingen to the Olympiaweg in Rotterdam-South. Read more on the page City Bridge and Public Transport. Link opens an external page.
30,000 Homes in the Oostflank
The new bridge is a crucial condition for building approximately 30,000 homes on the east side of Rotterdam north and south. At the new Stadionpark station, 4,000 homes will be built. Read more on the page Stadionpark. Link opens an external page.
Also, the municipality of Capelle aan den IJssel is helping with 5,000 homes at the Rivium. Link. Link opens an external page. Up to 2030, 19,000 homes will be built, including 3,000 student homes. In the years after, another 16,000 homes will be added.