Procedure 2

Plan your work on De Lijn’s private property

• Buildings

• Premetro and/or tunnels

• Depots

This means that, as a contractor, you are working directly for De Lijn. In that case, you do not need a work permit from the City of Antwerp.

For this, you only need a work permit from De Lijn before you can begin:

1. A work permit from De Lijn grants you authorization to work on or near tram infrastructure.

2. Additionally, you must sign and return our Safety Regulations to the contract manager within De Lijn.

Without these permits, you may not begin the work. If you do so anyway, we may, in cooperation with the police, halt your work.

Step by step: how do you apply for work permits?

Apply for your work permit with De Lijn

• Submit your application via our digital form.

• Your application must be submitted at least 10 business days before the start date.

Safety conditions and documents

Please keep the following in mind when submitting your application:

• Your permit is only valid if you also have a permit from the city of Antwerp.

• Working safely on and around the tram tracks: follow the guidelines and regulations

General safety regulations 4 Mb

Safety Regulations on and Around Tram Network 2026 - Addendum 11 Mb

• Cost Policy: Read the terms and conditions regarding the potential charging of costs.

Please return the safety guidelines for contractors, subcontractors, and third parties to us, signed.

The document to be signedFor contractors, subcontractors and third parties

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

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

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'

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'

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)

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.

Any questions?