The national government, the Province of Utrecht, and the municipalities of Nieuwegein and Utrecht have reached agreements on investments in housing and mobility in the Utrecht region. Part of these agreements is that the national government and region have established a preliminary preferred alternative for the Merwedelijn: a lowered alignment between Utrecht Central and Westraven.

The Merwedelijn is the intended new public transport connection between Utrecht and Nieuwegein. This connection is urgently needed for the construction and accessibility of approximately 75,000 homes in Greater Merwede and Rijnenburg and the realization of about 40,000 jobs. Without additional public transport capacity, the housing construction task in the region will stall. Therefore, the national government and region have been collaborating for some time on preparing this connection, so that housing, employment, and livability can be realized in conjunction.

In recent months, the national government and region have discussed additional budget. With extra investments of 562 million euros from the national government and 160 million euros from the region, further steps can now be taken. Based on the studies, available budget, and independent advice, the national government and region established a so-called preliminary preferred alternative.

Lowered alignment 

In the preferred alternative, the Merwedelijn in Utrecht will be in a lowered alignment (partly open, partly closed). There will be a stop near the Beatrix building at Utrecht Central Station.

The in-depth study showed that a tram in an underground alignment (in a tunnel or lowered alignment) has the most advantages compared to a street-level or viaduct variant. Organizations, companies, and residents also prefer an underground alignment. The studies also show that a lowered alignment offers more flexibility during construction and is cheaper than a tunnel. This makes a tram in a lowered alignment fit within the current budget.

Further research and public consultation 

In the preferred alternative, the Merwedelijn connects at Westraven to the existing tram line (SUNIJ line) towards Nieuwegein. This is not yet a final choice but a direction with sufficient potential to be further tested. For a final choice, further research is needed into, among other things, the (spatial) effects, cost developments, and risks. Sharp risk management is crucial for such large projects. As the research progresses, costs and risks become clearer. In May/June 2026, residents and other stakeholders can give their feedback during a formal consultation round. At the end of 2026, the national government and region will make a final decision about the Merwedelijn.

Additional research is also needed for the section from Westraven to Nieuwegein. For example, regarding the use of the existing tram bridge or a new tram bridge over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal and the route in the northern part of Nieuwegein. The national government and region want to include this Nieuwegein section of the Merwedelijn and the branch to Rijnenburg in new research. They are preparing a decision for this.

Broad regional approach 

The agreements on the Merwedelijn are part of a broader regional approach where housing and mobility go hand in hand. The national government has granted contributions for multiple projects in the region that are positive for the development of our city, including Overvecht, Noordwest, and Greater Merwede. This is an important step for a well-accessible, growing Utrecht region.

Deputy for Mobility and Economy André van Schie (Province of Utrecht): “Accessibility and housing belong together. The Merwedelijn is a prerequisite for the realization of Greater Merwede and Rijnenburg. But the realization of the largest housing location in the Netherlands is also necessary to make the Merwedelijn profitable. Without Merwedelijn no Rijnenburg, but without Rijnenburg also no operation of the Merwedelijn.”

For press information:
jelmer.geerds@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 42 47 30 33