Shocking Budget Surge: Metro Line 3 Costs Skyrocket to €4.7 Billion!

"Metro Line 3 Costs Soar to €4.7 Billion!"

The estimated cost for metro line 3 has risen from €2.25 billion in December 2021 to €4.7 billion due to various factors.

Marie Dupont22 March 2025Last Update : 22 hours ago

Koken kost geld: waarom budget voor metrolijn 3 is verdubbeld naar 4,7 miljard euro

www.bruzz.be

The budget for Metro Line 3 in Belgium has skyrocketed to 4.7 billion euros, doubling from its original estimate of 2.25 billion euros in December 2021. What factors contributed to this significant increase? As of March 21, 2025, the details reveal a complex mix of inflation, construction challenges, and project expansions.

5 Key Takeaways

Metro line 3 cost rose to 4.7 billion euros
Albert-Noord section costs 1.334 billion euros
North-Bordet section estimated at 3.2 billion euros
Tunnel construction costs increased due to issues
Rolling stock budgeted at 173 million euros

Fast Answer: The cost of Belgium’s Metro Line 3 has surged to €4.7 billion due to inflation and unforeseen construction issues. This impacts not only local commuters but also highlights broader Trends in infrastructure spending that could resonate with U.S. cities facing similar challenges.

Why Did the Cost of Metro Line 3 Double in Belgium?

How can a public transport project see its costs double? The answer lies in various complications and rising expenses associated with the metro line’s construction.

Warning! Rising costs for infrastructure projects like Metro Line 3 are becoming common globally. U.S. cities may need to prepare for similar budget overruns as they invest in public transit systems.

The Breakdown: Costs Associated with Metro Line 3

The total estimated cost encompasses two main segments: Albert-Noordstation and Noord-Bordet. Each section faces unique challenges contributing to the overall budget increase.

Albert-Noordstation: A Complex Project

The segment from Albert to Noordstation is now projected at €1.334 billion, up from €699 million just two years ago. Key reasons include:

Inflation affecting material costs
Unforeseen reconstruction needs at Zuidpaleis
Compensation claims from local businesses
A remaining budget of €977 million yet to be spent

Noord-Bordet: Uncertain Future Costs

This part of the project is estimated at €3.2 billion, with most funds still unallocated. Factors influencing these estimates include:

Tunnel excavation costs previously underestimated by Beliris
Additional expenses related to safety systems and station equipment
A new tunnel under train tracks costing significantly more than initial projections due to technical difficulties

The Bigger Picture: Infrastructure Spending Trends

This surge in costs reflects a broader trend impacting global infrastructure projects, including those in the U.S., where cities are grappling with similar financial strains as they modernize their transit systems.