The Avenue2 consortium submitted its second provisional tender for the ‘Groene Loper’ plan on 22 April. This represents a new step in the major tendering process involving the construction of a tunnel under the Maastricht A2 motorway as well as the associated development of the Maastricht-East area. The process is nearing conclusion. Announcement of which of the three competing consortiums has been chosen to execute the assignment will follow on 1 July 2009.

The principals behind this major call for tenders include the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, the Province of Limburg, and the Municipalities of Maastricht and Meerssen. The Avenue2 consortium consists of partners Strukton and Ballast Nedam, supported by various other parties including West8 and Arcadis. In addition to Avenue2, two other consortiums are competing.
 
Consultation phase outcome included in plan
Following the first provisional bids in October last year, the consultation phase ran between November and January inclusive. Residents of Maastricht, businesses and other interested parties had an opportunity to inspect and go through the three existing plans in special consultation areas.
Avenue2 included recommendations arising from the consultation phase in its second provisional bid of 22 April. The plan is now stronger and will enjoy broader support as a result. What’s more, the existing ‘Groene Loper’ plan was not tampered with significantly in its present form during this phase: its integral structure was well received.

Natural landscape plan connecting many elements
With its ‘Groene Loper’ plan, Avenue2 will provide an important stimulus to Maastricht and its surroundings. It is an especially natural plan. The existing A2 motorway will cease to form a barrier, making way for more connecting elements between the city and the zone of country estates to the north, and between the outlying districts to the east.

For more information, please visit the www.avenue2.nl and www.a2maastricht.nl websites.