A new proposal suggests running an automated people mover through the IJtunnel to transport cyclists and pedestrians between Amsterdam-Noord and the city centre. Currently, only cars are permitted in the tunnel.
The plan was put forward by Reinder Rustema, treasurer of the foundation Ik ben Autovrij. Under the idea, driverless shuttles guided by a ground rail would operate 24/7 at speeds of up to 70 km per hour.
How the route would work
Passengers with bicycles would board at street level on Prins Hendrikkade and exit 2.3 kilometres away at Noorderpark in just a few minutes. At Noorderpark, pedestrians could connect directly to the Noord/Zuid metro line.
A supplier estimated the equipment would cost tens of millions of euros. The system would occupy the left lane in each tunnel tube, leaving one lane remaining for car traffic.
Because the shuttles would run on an exclusive track, emergency vehicles could also use the reserved space if needed.
Renovation timeline and safety rules
Rustema argues the infrastructure could be built directly after the upcoming IJtunnel renovation, which is scheduled to begin in July next year. Concrete ramps would need to be built to bring the shuttles from the tunnel lanes up to street level.
A major hurdle remains strict European Union tunnel safety legislation, which requires extensive certification and emergency planning.
In addition, reducing car capacity would narrow the roadway entering the city centre, potentially allowing 5,000 square metres of asphalt at the tunnel mouth to be repurposed into park space.
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