Redevelopment tram stops Vaartsche Rijn-Utrecht Science Park

In the coming period, there will be a significantly upgrade of the stops on the Vaartsche Rijn - Utrecht Science Park route. This should better fulfil the wishes and needs of travellers. The first three stops, UMC Utrecht, Heidelberglaan and Padualaan, will be completed at the beginning of the coming academic year. The other stops will be renovated later.

The tram line on the Vaartsche Rijn - Utrecht Science Park section has different types of stops. For instance, relatively many passengers get on and off at the Padualaan and Heidelberglaan stops. Visitors to nearby hospitals get on and off at the UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis/ Princess Máxima Center stops. Utrecht Centraal Centrumzijde will remain unchanged as the only tram stop. This is because it has already been modernised during the renovation of the Utrecht C.S. public transport hub. Because the stops are different in terms of size and crowds, each one requires customisation. For example, the canopies at some stops will be up to 25 metres long. By comparison, the current shelters at stops on this tram line are now 4 metres long.

Innovative and sustainable

The stops will have a spacious canopy with (if possible) a glass wall where a bench is mounted on both sides. The seat of the benches is made of sustainable bamboo. The canopy will not only contain LED lights but also solar panels. The roof will also house the check-in and check-out points and security cameras. The panels with up-to-date travel information will also be placed in the canopy, after the current signs have been written off. Thus, we are also significantly reducing the number of objects on the platforms for better flow. The renewed tram stops can be recognised by the U-OV logo.

Planning

After careful preparation, insight has been gained into where cables and pipes lie on the platforms over the past period. Now that this has been clarified, work can start.

From 24 May, we will start with the UMC Utrecht stop. Next, the Heidelberglaan and Padualaan stops will be redesigned. This work is expected to be completed in September. The tram route to the Utrecht Science Park will be quieter during this period because of the summer holidays. As a result, fewer passengers experience inconvenience from the works. The remaining stops will be refurbished after September.

Work will take place during both weekdays and weekends. The construction of the canopies will take place during the weekends (Friday evening 10.30 pm - Monday morning 05.15 am). The finishing of the canopy and installation of other elements (waste bins, check-in and check-out posts, light poles) will be carried out during the week. Incidental work may also be carried out at night, when the tram is not running.

Tram and bus stops out of service

During the works, the tram will basically run according to regular (summer) timetables. With the exception of some weeks where the tram passes but does not stop at a tram stop.

  • From 24 May - 2 June, there will be no tram stops at the UMC Utrecht stop. Tram passengers should therefore get on or off at the Heidelberglaan stop. U-OV information staff will escort visitors to and from the bus stop at UMC Utrecht.
  • From 5 July - 21 July, no buses and trams will stop at the Heidelberglaan stop. Bus passengers can use the Botanical Gardens bus stop. Tram passengers can get on and off at the Padualaan stop.
  • From 16 August - 1 September, the tram will not stop at the Padualaan stop. This has no consequences for bus passengers. Tram passengers can get off at the completely renovated Heidelberglaan stop.

Due to the construction works, it is recommended to check the travel planner for the current travel advice prior to your trip.

Safety

When installing new platform furniture and the new shelters, safety is paramount. For this reason, lifting is only done when the overhead wires are de-energised and the stops are placed entirely within the construction fences. This ensures that the people working on the construction cannot inadvertently enter the tracks or roads and passengers cannot inadvertently enter the construction site.

For press information:
jelmer.geerds@provincie-utrecht.nl, +31642473033

Source: provincie Utrecht (Dutch)