Working near a De Lijn installation and in the public domain
If you are planning work at a location
where you will be occupying public property owned by the City of Antwerp
and that is located near a De Lijn facility (overhead lines, tram tracks, metro)
Some examples: moving operations, crane setup, work on stops, work on track beds, …
Then two permits are required before you can begin:
A permit to occupy public property from the City of Antwerp.
A work permit from De Lijn for work on or near tram infrastructure.
Without both permits and our safety conditions signed, you may not begin the work. If you do so anyway, we can halt your work in cooperation with the police.
Step by step: how do you apply for the permits?
1. Start with the City of Antwerp
You begin with an application to occupy public property through the City of Antwerp. If your work involves breaking open the public roadway, this is considered earthwork. Earthwork must always be reported via GIPOD. You cannot complete your application without a valid GIPOD number.
2. Note your file number (GW-no.)
After submitting your application, you will receive a GW number.
Your application will receive a positive or negative decision. You can only proceed if the decision is positive.
3. Apply for your work permit with De Lijn
Use the GW number to submit your application via our digital form.
Your application must be submitted at least 10 business days before the start date.
Safety requirements and documents
Please note the following when submitting your application:
Your permit is only valid if you also have a permit from the City of Antwerp.
Please return the Safety Regulations to us, signed
Working safely on and around the tram tracks: follow the guidelines and regulations
Why is a positive recommendation from De Lijn important?
Within De Lijn and Traminfrastructuur, there are five departments that play a key role in approving the works.
These are:
Antwerp Premetro (Buildings)
Rail & Signaling Department
Overhead Line Department
Traction & Electromechanical Equipment Department
Network Planning Department
Permission for 'Antwerp Premetro' department
We have a strict policy regarding work on, around, and next to our Antwerp Pre-metros.
When working with heavy loads or drilling is planned, you must receive additional guidance for this. Working on the metro tunnel with too heavy loads can lead to damage or accidents. If you perform work close to an entrance or exit of a metro, you must obtain written permission for this.
Permission for the "Railroad and Road Works" department
We have a strict policy regarding working on, around, and next to our tracks.
If your work impacts our Tracks & Roads, you must receive written permission for this.
Permission department 'Overhead Lines'
We have a strict policy regarding work above our tram tracks.
Our overhead lines are live and pose a risk of electrocution.
If you are performing work at height near the Overhead Lines, you must receive written permission for this. Our overhead lines also include cables and power networks underground.
Department Authorization 'Traction & Electromechanical Equipment'
We have a strict policy regarding work around our Traction & Electromechanical Equipment. The Traction & Electromechanical Equipment (TEMU) department at De Lijn is responsible for all electrical and electromechanical systems needed to operate, steer, stop, and safely function trams.
It is, therefore, a core department within tram infrastructure and operations.
TEMU ensures that electrical energy reaches the tram safely and continuously.
This includes:
Traction substations (conversion of high voltage to tram voltage)
Grounding and protection against electrical risks
Remote monitoring of the tram network 24/7, via the Technical Control Center
Permission Department 'Network Planning' (Operation of Trams & Buses)
We have a strict policy regarding work on our Network.
Our trams for public transport must always be able to pass smoothly and safely in both directions without any hindrance. The buses must also always be able to use the tram and bus lane smoothly and safely in both directions without experiencing any hindrance.
The stop infrastructure must always be able to be served normally, and there must always be a place available where our passengers can safely get on and off. The stops and entrances/exits of the metro must remain accessible and clear for our passengers, including those with disabilities.
Therefore, during work on our Network, a printed copy of our permit must be present at the site/work area.
