Residents of Utrecht and Nieuwegein prefer that the Merwedelijn is constructed as much as possible underground. This tram is the future high-quality public transport connection between Utrecht Central, Groot Merwede, and the Rijnenburg polder and is intended to unlock the largest housing construction site in the Netherlands. U Ned – a collaboration between the national government, the province of Utrecht, and municipalities – investigated various options and routes for the Merwedelijn. By the end of this year, this should lead to a Preferred Alternative.
The Merwedelijn is necessary to unlock the largest housing construction site in the Netherlands on the southwest side of the city of Utrecht. Plans are in place for the construction of approximately 75,000 homes and the creation of around 40,000 jobs. U-Ned examined which variant contributes the most to this and how to prevent overcrowding at Utrecht Central.
For the study, four variants external link of the Merwedelijn were visualized: a tunnel, depressed layout, viaduct, and a combination of viaduct and depressed layout. U-Ned also examined two different routes in Nieuwegein: the route of the existing railway or a new route over a new bridge over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal and along the A.C. Verhoefweg.
Opinions of Residents
For the study, organizations, companies, and residents were also asked for their opinions. In April, U-Ned held discussions with stakeholders, and nearly 2,500 residents from Utrecht and Nieuwegein filled out a digital questionnaire. It became clear that most people are positive about a tram in a tunnel.
Many see the tram in a depressed layout as an alternative to the tunnel. They do request sufficient opportunities to cross safely and want measures against noise pollution. The variant with the viaduct received the most negative reactions, mainly due to its impact on public space.
Decision on Preferred Alternative
Based on all results, an underground location for the Merwedelijn is currently the most desirable. The financing has not yet been fully realized. The study shows that none of the current variants fall within the budget of 1,2 billion euros.
In the coming months, U Ned will work further on a Preferred Alternative. This is a variant that best addresses the various interests, such as those of travelers, residents, costs, technical feasibility, and spatial integration. Meanwhile, the region is in discussions with the national government about additional funding. The study will be completed by the end of 2025. After that, the involved municipalities, province, and national government will make a decision on a Preferred Alternative, and the proposed plan can be further developed.
The results of the in-depth study of the Merwedelijn can be found in the ‘Interim Report external link: findings of the deepening phase June 2025’. More information about the MIRT exploration for public transport and housing can be found on the U Ned website external link.
For press information:
jelmer.geerds@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 42 47 30 33