On 14 October 2022, Beliris published a special specification for the civil engineering works for the northward extension of the Brussels metro Line 3. The tenders are expected in the first quarter of 2023. Five groups of international companies have been selected in the first phase of the public procurement negotiation procedure.  

The special specifications, concerning the extension of the line from Gare du Nord to Bordet, include: 

• the excavation of a 4.5 km tunnel; 
• the construction of 7 stations: Liedts, Colignon, Verboekhoven, Riga, Tilleul, Paix, Bordet; 
• the connection works with the existing line between Gare du Nord and Albert, carried out in Phase 1 of the project; 
• connection of the new line to the future Haren underground train depot. 

Beliris and STIB have decided to start the works tender procedure - while the authorization procedure is still ongoing - in order to optimize the project planning. The works can therefore begin immediately after the release of the permit by the Region.  

This project is technically very complex due to the massive works to be carried out underground in an urban environment and in the vicinity of operating tram and railway lines. A two-stage procedure was therefore chosen for the public procurement which requires more time, but allows the construction companies to organize themselves and take the necessary measures to respond effectively to the assignment.   

The specifications could undergo some changes during the negotiations that will take place in 2023 in view of the presentation of the definitive offers: it could infact be necessary to adapt them to any requests received during the project authorization phase. For further information visit  https://metro3.be/  and click here, be/13 and be/36 for tunnelbuilder archive. 47/22.