ACTIVITY REPORT: Metro3 Day

On March 18, 2025, our Metro3 Day event was held, bringing together tunnelling experts and enthusiasts to showcast the future of public transport in Brussels. The event was hosted by ABTUS-BVOTS and featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions.

One of the highlights of the event was a presentation by Gordana Micic (MIVB-STIB), who provided a comprehensive historical overview of the development and evolution of public transport in Brussels. She emphasized that public transport is in a constant state of evolution, adapting to the changing needs of society. Gordana highlighted the importance of connecting and integrating underground and surfaces spaces to create a cohesive public environment. She also stressed the role of art and architecture in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of underground spaces, making them more inviting and pleasant for all commuters.

Carlos Van Hove (MIVB-STIB) also delivered a compelling speech, highlighting the evolution of the Metro3 project from planning to execution. He stressed the need for continued investments in public transport to support the city's growth. Carlos detailed the project's journey from the political decision in 2010 to the present day, noting that the project is far from complete. He outlined the expectations for its extension to North (Bordet/Evere) phase 2, which includes a TBM tunnel of 5 km with seven new stations. These developments will significantly enhance Brussels' transport capabilities. Additionally, Carlos discussed the rationale behind the chosen route for the new metro line, which integrates within the existing pre-metro network to optimize connectivity.

Stéphanie Pareit (Greisch) delved into the technical details of the new Toots Tielemans station (integral part of the Metro3 project, addressing the geological challenges such as dewatering, as well as the aesthetic and structural challenges. She highlighted the magnificent lighting domes, which are a key feature of the project. The construction primarily utilizes the typical "stross method". Stéphanie also discussed the challenges associated with the dome construction, which spans 18 meters!

Fabian Nisen (MIVB-STIB) and François-David Jonard (SM Toots) provided practical insights into the challenges posed by the specific conditions of the construction site. They discussed working in a densely populated area, the impact on local residents, and the importance of monitoring. Both speakers emphasized the real-world challenges they face daily and provided a preview of what attendees would see during the site visit.

Following the presentations, the 60 attendees were divided into three groups for a jobsite visit. Descending into the underground, they witnessed the immense scale of the project firsthand. While the project's magnitude was impressive on paper, seeing it in person was even more striking. The visit showcased a massive operation with numerous challenges, all explained passionately by experts. Every participant left with a profound sense of admiration for the work being done.

We are very proud as ABTUS BVOTS to have organized and offered this event to our members. The concluding drink further demonstrated that knowledge sharing through such events is an essential part of our association. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the speakers and the staff of MIVB-STIB, SM Toots & Greisch for their outstanding and high-quality contributions.