Whispers of change echo through the Grondwettunnel, also known as the Tunnel Constitution. Here, beneath the bustling streets of Brussels, a transformation is underway. This isn’t just a tunnel. It’s a time capsule, layered with history and humming with the promise of the future. The Toots Thielemans subway station, nestled within the Grondwettunnel, stands as a testament to this evolution. Once called ‘Constitution’, this station, stretching 233 meters, is a key part of Brussels’ new metro line 3. Imagine platforms on level -2, three mezzanines buzzing with activity, and entrances connecting to the Boulevard du Midi and the Palais du Midi Brussels. The Grondwettunnel also offers a connection to the Lemonnier tram station through a new pedestrian tunnel. Construction on the Toots Thielemans station and sections of the Grondwettunnel began in September 2020, with the aim of launching metro line 3 by 2025. The Lemonnier tram station will see its own revitalization between 2025 and 2028. The Grondwettunnel itself isn’t just one continuous passage. It’s comprised of different sections. One 300-meter section links the Toots Thielemans station to the existing tunnel leading towards Brussels-Midi. Another, a shorter 210-meter stretch, runs beneath the Palais du Midi, connecting the station to the tunnel towards Anneessens. The construction of the Toots Thielemans station and these tunnel sections is a monumental task. It’s a project fraught with technical challenges in a densely populated area. But it promises a significant improvement to Brussels’ public transport network, connecting Brussels-North Station to Albert Station in Vorst. The Grondwettunnel and the Toots Thielemans station are more than just infrastructure. They represent the heartbeat of a city constantly evolving, adapting, and moving forward.
Rue Albert Meurice – Albert Meuricestraat
Serenity Bar a yoga studio sits on Rue Albert Meurice. This quiet street in Etterbeek Brussels holds a peaceful energy.