Next milestone reached

Less congestion, better air and a better quality of life: the Regiotram is set to create a modern, sustainable connection between Aachen, Würselen, Alsdorf and Baesweiler in the coming years. The joint project between the city and StädteRegion Aachen, the towns of Würselen, Alsdorf and Baesweiler and the Aachener Verkehrsverbund (AVV) is intended to further advance the mobility transition in the region. Following the successful completion of the feasibility study in 2023, the basic evaluation and preliminary planning will now begin under the direction of the AVV.

Green light all the way: concrete planning begins

The daily traffic jams between Aachen and the north of the StädteRegion clearly show that the roads are at their limits. The Regiotram provides a remedy - as an electric, emission-free connection on a largely dedicated route. After all the committees involved gave the green light in 2023, a new phase is now beginning with the basic evaluation and preliminary planning. Three renowned planning offices - Obermeyer Infrastruktur GmbH und Co KG, Schüßler-Plan Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH and Bernard Gruppe ZT GmbH - have been awarded the contract. With their combined expertise, they cover all relevant specialist areas - from infrastructure planning and bridge construction to the operating concept and technical equipment. Working closely together, they will ensure that all requirements of the complex project are recorded and examined at an early stage and that viable solutions are developed.

Planning is underway:

• Route and stops - with a focus on central points such as Aachen city center and Alsdorf Annapark
• Engineering structures, in particular bridges
• Technical equipment (e.g.power supply, signaling) including the option of overhead line-free sections

The aim of the preliminary planning is to present a clearly defined route, stop location, cost framework and statements on operating technology by 2027. This will be followed by the design and approval planning.

Important focus: transparent planning with public participation

Close involvement and dialog with the public is a key prerequisite for the success of the project. This is why information events and project workshops accompany the planning process. The established dialog with citizens will continue in the next phase - for example on issues such as the location of the route, access to stops or urban design along the route. The exchange will be moderated by the experienced participation office Zebralog.

Expansion and timetable

In addition to the basic corridor from Aachen Normaluhr to Baesweiler Nord, future options are also being examined, such as a branch to the Merzbrück research airfield or an extension to Übach-Palenberg. For the time being, however, the focus is clearly on the first construction phase: the AVV is coordinating all those involved in planning, supporting the funding and driving the project forward.

In around ten years, a streetcar could then run from Aachen via Würselen and Alsdorf to Baesweiler.

• by 2027: completion of the preliminary planning

• by 2030: Design and approval planning

• from 2031: start of construction possible

• from approx. 2035: Regiotram in operation