Connecting cities with metro and tram systems

Metro and tram systems alleviate existing transport systems and make cities more accessible to residents and visitors alike. Realising them requires a complex combination of tunnelling solutions, a wider understanding of the built environment in which they operate – and strong stakeholder engagement.

construction site of a metro/tram tunnel

Our experience in metro and tram tunnels

Our heritage in metro and tram systems is rooted in experience. We helped develop the metro line system in Amsterdam, a city rich in history. The soft soils, high groundwater tables and very sensitive buildings presented challenges that our specialists overcame with precision and innovation.

Today, we’ve developed a specialism in projects like these, understanding not only how to navigate complexities like changing soil conditions, but navigate them across the span of a single tunnel.

Beyond tunnels themselves, we’re capable of realising other key infrastructure like the station boxes that connect platforms and stations to the surface level. In construction, we build relationships with stakeholders to plan works and minimise disruption to everyday life.

How we realise metro and tram tunnels

Understanding all elements of metro and tram systems

Metro and tram systems feature a number of entry points and interactions with wider transport and city infrastructure. The expertise of our teams, paired with the wider input of our parent companies, Haskoning and Witteveen+Bos, ensures we’re able to account for, deliver and integrate all elements of metro and tram systems seamlessly.

Experience in the most complex scenarios

We were part of creating the metro line in Amsterdam, overcoming soft soils, high groundwater tables and the need to accommodate very sensitive historical buildings. In this and other projects, our teams have harnessed decades of tunnel expertise to realise complex metro tunnel projects.

Bringing stakeholders on the journey

Metro and tram systems require the close collaboration and engagement of multiple stakeholders. From the operators who will run the lines and local governments, to the buildings potential impacted by construction and the public who eventually benefit. We pride ourselves on an approach that puts stakeholder engagement at the heart of our projects from the very beginning.

Developing new techniques and innovations

From our embrace of digital tools and technologies to the lessons we’ve learnt completing complex projects around the world. We have had the opportunity to develop new technique and innovations in our work – and continue to strive to make the seemingly impossible possible in the tunnel sector.

FrankKaalberg

Senior Expert Tunneling and deep excavations