The Spartacus plan aims to make an important contribution to the improvement of the infrastructure for public transport. The project will be realised via a DBFM (design, build, finance, maintain) procedure. The study will be conducted by the VARINIA Temporary Commercial Partnership consisting of Grontmij, the Libost-Groep, Grontmij Maunsell, Witteveen + Bos and DB International.
Grontmij has been commissioned by the Vlaamse Vervoersmaatschappij (Flemish Transportation Company) ‘De Lijn’ to work on the improvement of the infrastructure for public transport in the Flemish province of Limburg. The current railway connections will be supplemented by three new rapid tram lines, which, together with the existing and new bus lines, are expected to create an efficient network of public transport. The ultimate goal is to increase the total number of trips made using public transport.
In the initial phase, Grontmij is working together with its partners on the environmental impact studies, the target images and the project memoranda for the new rapid tram lines. The DBFM procedure comprises the drawing up of a reference design, a performance tender and the supervision of the tendering procedure. Our task also involves conducting the communication process with all of the parties involved. The total investment costs are estimated at EUR 170 million.
The commission has been granted to VARINIA for the amount of about EUR 10 million, and will start in March 2008, continuing for a period of four years. The turnover for Grontmij amounts to EUR 6.9 million. This amount includes the turnover for the Libost-Groep which is planned to be acquired by Grontmij, as announced in the press release of November 15th 2007.
Grontmij intends to be the best local service provider for consultancy, management, engineering and contracting of projects in building, transportation, environment, water, industry and energy. Our employees thus create value for our clients and shareholders and contribute to a sustainable living and working environment.