Dutch infrastructure minister Mrs Melanie Schulz van Haegen- Maas Geesteranus announced on April 25 that the IJmeer Line will only go ahead if developers commit to the construction of at least 25,000 new homes near the proposed route, a position which has the backing of regional development and public transport authority Stadsregio Amsterdam.
The 20km link would include a 9km tunnel under IJburg and IJmeer and five new stations, two underground and three above ground, with the potential for additional stations to be opened along the route.
Almere is a satellite city of Amsterdam established in 1976 and today is home to more than 200,000 people. The population is expected to grow to more than 350,000 and 60,000 new homes are planned.
In 2011 a feasibility study into the IJmeer Line was completed on behalf of Almere - Amsterdam Operating Company (WCC) by the M55 consortium, led by Mott MacDonald and including Baca Architects.
