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Url: http://www.talkurbex.com/2011/07/exploring-the-underground-pre-metro-system/
Photographer: Dave Baker
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
Photographer: Dave Baker
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
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| Wormhole - Underground pre-metro system in Antwerp |
The Antwerp Premetro is a network, consisting of lines 2, 3, 5, 6 and 15 of the Antwerp Tram system. It is a 1000 mm rail gauge system, which runs underground in the city centre and further out on surface lines, which are separated from motor traffic. It is intended eventually to evolve into a full metro, similar to the Brussels Metro or German StadtbahnsIt was planned at the beginning of the 1970s to build a completely underground network with a length by 15 km and 22 stations. However, due to financial difficulties only 11 stations have been built. The network is now operated by De Lijn.
The first 1.3 km section opened on 25 May 1975 between Opera, Meir and Groenplaats. Further sections were opened in 1980, 1990, 1996 and 2006. The newest station is at Schijnpoort in the northeast of the system.
