In March 2024, we received a request from GVB to supply and install five new rail conditioning systems for the light rail on Strandeiland. This new loop forms the end point of the extended IJtram and is located on a special piece of future city: a reclaimed sand plain that forms the basis for a new part of Amsterdam.
As Rail Partner Holland we are proud to contribute to the proper conditioning of this brand new route from the very beginning.
On-location recording and preparation
After GVB had secured the rails on site, we visited the site in October 2024 to assess the situation. During this visit, we determined the exact positions and specifications of the systems to be installed. The work took place in the middle of a vast sandy plain, an impressive backdrop that underlines the transition from rough terrain to urban infrastructure.
This step formed the technical preparation for a project that not only creates a new tram connection, but also marks the first contours of a completely new part of the city.
Installation and future commissioning
In November 2024, the five rail conditioning systems will be successfully installed. At the moment, these systems are still in standby mode, awaiting the first test runs and commissioning of the new turning loop. The first trams are expected to run here in mid-2025, although the exact date has not yet been determined.
One thing is certain: once the loop is put into use, it will be properly conditioned — a sustainable basis for years of problem-free tram traffic on Strandeiland.
