Daniel Wathelet, communications manager at TEC, offers a privileged look at the development of the Liège tram, highlighting the obstacles overcome and the progress made since the start of the project.
The Liège tram, an ambitious project aimed at modernizing urban transport infrastructure, is making great strides. Out of 17 kilometers of track, 11.7 kilometers of rails were laid on the short part of the route.
Tests and preparations
Since October, the trams have been subject to rigorous testing and trial phases, while future drivers are trained on approximately 3.5 kilometers of the route between Bressoux, Coronmeuse and Marengo. Daniel Wathelet, communications manager at TEC, shares: “The trams, manufactured by CAF in San Sebastian, Spain, are all assembled and currently in the driving test and training phase.” He also adds that “All tram drivers must also be bus drivers”.
The inauguration of the tram is scheduled for January 31, 2025, after approximately five years of work. The communications manager at TEC underlines: “The comparison is always a little dangerous because we transformed the basement with what we call the impetrants. So all the pipes, the cables and the rest were hell of a job in the literal sense of the term, with many surprises, many hazards, and this work was very substantial”. He explains that he found orphaned cables, an old cemetery of a church that had disappeared and things from the Middle Ages.
With trams measuring up to 45 meters long and weighing 74 tonnes, the logistical challenge was immense. “Each tram was transported by boat from France to reach the port of Antwerp and then transported by truck to Liège”specifies Daniel Wathelet.
Local innovations
Finally, the Liège tram stands out for its local integration, with announcements recorded by voices from Liège and professional voices. “We recorded more than 1,500 local voices during the Christmas market, a moment of great pride for the community. It was the first time that there was real positive momentum and for us, it was a relief too “he declares.
Liège tram
