Client: Mott MacDonald (main client: Werkmaatschappij Almere-Amsterdam)

Year: 2011

In the State decrees Amsterdam – Almere – Markermeer (in English: Lake Marker), the Dutch policy of strengthening the international competitive capabilities and the sustainability of the Northern Randstad is described. In order to achieve this goal, several large projects have been set up, such as the Quantum Leap of Almere (60,000 new housing units and 100,000 new jobs in 2030) and OV SAAL (enhancing public transport connection between Schiphol, Amsterdam, Almere and Lelystad). These led to the needs of a new rail connection across the IJmeer lake to connect Amsterdam and Almere which costs around € 5,3 billion (with bridge) and € 6,3 billion (with tunnel). This resulted in a negative business case.

A market consultation process was therefore taken place to achieve a feasible plan by optimising the IJmeer connection, including spatial and ecological integration. Three consortiums were selected where Balancia is part of the consortium led by Mott MacDonald. Our task is to develop a feasible and sustainable plan to connect Amsterdam and Almere with a tunnel under the IJmeer lake. Concerning the distance between these two cities, a metro line is decided as the most suitable public transport mode. It also allows high frequencies and demands lower capital costs in comparison with train. M55 is chosen as the brand name of this connection. The “M” symbolizes double A’s for Amsterdam and Almere, while “55” indicates the continuation of the metro numbering in Amsterdam.

Balancia’s role, as a sustainability expert in this project, is to ensure the sustainability of the plan in the field of ecology (Planet), social (People) and economy (Profit). For this, Almere Principles (2008) are of importance since it forms the starting point for ecological, social and economic sustainability of Almere in 2030.