M55 Metro Connection
Location: Amsterdam > NL
Client: Werkmaatschappij Almere-Amsterdam (WAA)
Status: Feasibility
Team: Consortium led by Mott MacDonald
Baca has been working with a high-profile consortium, led by Mott MacDonald, to submit a feasibility study to the Dutch govt. on behalf of operating company Werkmaatschappij Almere-Amsterdam (WAA) to assess the viability of a rail connection - the M55 - between Amsterdam-South and Almere-South Centre in the Netherlands.
Planned to support urban growth, with over 25,000 new homes planned, the M55 - similar in scale to Crossrail - will provide a fast connection between major developments planned for IJburg, phase 2 and Almere Pampus.
Waste material excavated from the tunnel will be used to create a new island and a series of sand dunes and 'shallows' for recreation and wildlife. ‘Pampus IJland’ - which will include 3,000 homes - will be formed around a sheltered cove with a beach and moorings for yachts and floating homes. The island will be car free and instead, a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system.
The proposal for a 20 km long railway with five new stations, includes a 9km tunnel under IJburg and IJmeer for a more visually discreet scheme. One of the underground stations is set within a new canal to enable boats to moor alongside creating the world’s first Sail-and-Ride station.
Planned to support urban growth, with over 25,000 new homes planned, the M55 - similar in scale to Crossrail - will provide a fast connection between major developments planned for IJburg, phase 2 and Almere Pampus.
A new harbour has been designed as part of the new development. In this alternative proposition an elevated rail and cycle bridge sail over the harbour area creating a dramatic entrance to the new town.
The new line has been carefully designed to run alongside and over existing infrastructure, creating new stations at key intersections to serve local area and finally terminating at a new station in Almere Centruum.
The new sail and ride station is not only imaginative but also intelligent. Running the line under the canal had the least impact on proposed infrastructure to IJburg 2. This allowed a breathtaking arrival at the waters edge to be created and the opportunity for a pontoon above the rail tunnels.
The tunnel portal is fashioned into a series of islands to create a wetland area, increasing habitat. A cycle path runs alongside to connect the park to the residential heart of IJburg.