How do residents of Utrecht and Nieuwegein prefer the Merwedelijn - a new tram line between Utrecht CS and Nieuwegein City? In a tunnel, in a submerged trench, or on a viaduct? U Ned – a research program of the national government, province of Utrecht, and municipalities – is investigating different variants and routes of the Merwedelijn. Residents are asked to respond during the walk-in evenings from April 15 to 17 and via a digital questionnaire.
Merwedelijn is a new tram connection between Utrecht CS and Nieuwegein and can transport many passengers quickly. This is necessary to provide approximately 150,000 people with a new and suitable home in the next 20 years and to create 12,000 jobs in Utrecht Southwest and the northern part of Nieuwegein (including Groot Merwede and Rijnenburg). Good public transport makes sustainable transport choices attractive. In a subsequent phase, there is an intention to investigate the extension of the tram line to Rijnenburg. The current survey concerns preferences regarding the route between Utrecht CS and Nieuwegein City.
Variants of Merwedelijn
The route of the Merwedelijn in Utrecht is the same for all variants (tunnel, submerged, or elevated), except around Utrecht Central Station. The location of the stops differs per variant. In Nieuwegein, there are two route options presented: the route of the current tram with a new section of track to Galecopperzoom or via a new route that runs through Nieuwegein North, over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, and then along the A.C. Verhoefweg.
The survey among residents of Utrecht and Nieuwegein runs until April 18, 2015. The results of the research by U Ned will be ready by mid-2025. These will be taken into account by the authorities involved in choosing a so-called preferred alternative (the most suitable route and variant) of the Merwedelijn. In 2026, a consultation round will follow on this preferred alternative. A decision will be made after this consultation round.
Agreements Housing Summit
At the end of 2024, agreements were made by the Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning (VRO) and the Utrecht region regarding the realization of 63,000 to 75,000 homes in Groot Merwede and Rijnenburg, making it the largest construction site in the Netherlands. These agreements are crucial for addressing the housing shortage in the coming decades. For the accessibility of future residents and workers in Groot Merwede and Rijnenburg, but also for existing residents and commuters of Utrecht and Nieuwegein, the Merwedelijn is essential given the high traffic pressure already existing on the A12 and A2, as well as the underlying road network.
More about the information meetings and the digital questionnaire can be read here
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Stadsplateau 1
3521 AZ Utrecht
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Postbus 16200
3500 CE Utrecht