After a 20-year wait, construction work has finally commenced on the tram-bus route between Hasselt and Maasmechelen. The new tram buses, set to operate on the Spartacustra line

connecting the two cities, are expected to contribute to the development of Limburg.

Flemish Minister of Public Works, Lydia Peeters, expressed her satisfaction with the commencement of the works, stating that Limburg relies more on cars than other regions in Flanders. The connection between Hasselt and Maasland marks the first step towards shifting this dependency.

The Spartacus project has been in progress since 2004, and the work that began in Hasselt marks the initial phase of numerous infrastructure developments required before the tram can operate on its dedicated track starting next year. These construction works are planned in several stages.

As a result of the work initiation, the free parking on Koning Boudewijnlaan will be discontinued. However, Mayor Steven Vandeput assured that ample parking spaces will be available near the Trixxo Arena. The transformation of Koning Boudewijnlaan will turn it into a green avenue with bike lanes, public transport access, and lanes for cars in both directions. Though the temporary parking lot will not return, residents and visitors can utilize various alternatives, including the parking lot of Trixxo-Arena, with smooth connections to public transportation for easy access to the city.

The Koning Boudewijnlaan will undergo significant enhancements, including the addition of three rows of trees between pedestrians and cyclists on one side and motorized traffic on the other. The first tram is expected to begin operating on the Spartacus route in the first quarter of 2024. Photo by Paul Hermans, Wikimedia commons.