METRO DE CHARLEROI

Extension of the existing light rail network.

The project is a key component of the current Mobility Plan for the town of Charleroi which was approved in 2003. The extended metro will increase the attractiveness of public transport in the area and contribute to reducing the trend for increasing use of private cars. Charleroi is designated as an Objective 1 region, and the project will strengthen the transport infrastructure and improve access to opportunities for the eligible population. The project makes beneficial use of existing infrastructure and will finally achieve most of what was envisaged during the planning of the system.

The Project falls within the scope of Annex II of Directive 85/337/EEC (as amended). An Environmental Impact Assessment is in the process of being carried out for each of the main components of the project.

The project is generally considered to have a positive overall effect on the environment of the town. The main adverse impacts are disruption during construction, and some increases in noise at properties fronting sections outwith the highway existing boundary.

The project should result in a reduction in greenhouse gasses when compared with the do-nothing trend, and will therefore contribute to mitigating climate change.

SRWT is subject to EU public procurement directives - in this case 2004/17/EC, since the deadline for the transcription into national law has now passed. Contracts are expected to be published and let in accordance with EU directives, with pre-qualification process involving publication in the OJEU.