You have probably noticed the big road blocks and the big excavators digging around the DTU Lyngby Campus. This is largely due to the fact that space is being made for the Greater Copenhagen Light Rail, which will have three stops at DTU: Rævehøjvej, Anker Engelunds Vej, and Akademivej.
The contractor is expecting to receive concrete slabs for the base of the light rail tracks before long, and power masts are being installed. According to the plan, you will be able to take the first light rail trip between Ishøj and Lundtofte by the end of 2025.
The new light rail will make it easier to reach the urban areas along Ring 3 and provide new opportunities for expansion in the cities and areas near the light rail stops, including DTU Lyngby Campus. Here, the light rail is a great boost to the public transport system, while DTU is improving conditions for vulnerable road users.
"It's a true game changer. The light rail has helped us launch our new sustainable mobility strategy, and it will completely change the way we access and move around campus. Our hope is that more people will bike, walk, or go by light rail here rather than by car—in line with the national trend. We also want to create an inspiring campus environment that invites people to hang out and move around," says Ina Borup Nørløv, Head of Section, Campus Service.
Light rail unites local area
The light rail connects six S-train lines and regional train traffic in the metropolitan area and creates a coherent public transport system in a region characterized by major mobility and congestion challenges.
In the future, travelling across the capital for work, leisure, culture, and nature will be both easier and faster, as the light rail will run on its own track at the side or in the middle of the road, separating it from the main traffic. This means no queueing up when there is congestion. Furthermore, the light rail will run every five minutes during the day, without a timetable.
"DTU's light rail stops can help unite the local area and provide new ways of moving around. I think our campus will become much more appealing—and not just to us. The fact that it will be easier to get to work is an added bonus. But it will also help the businesses around DTU attract new employees. And we also hope that more of our neighbours will get off the light rail and visit our campus," says Ina Borup Nørløv.
Bicycle paths and green zones
Among the new initiatives that will help attract the neighbours is a network of paths for pedestrians and cyclists directly connected to DTU's three light rail stops. In addition, DTU is currently establishing a bicycle street, where cyclists have priority. The bicycle street will run from Akademivej in the south across Anker Engelunds Vej and to Nordvej in the north.
DTU also aims to establish smaller crossroads that will serve as a network of paths with connections to the main roads for pedestrians and cyclists. Along the paths, there will be a street food stand, art and sculptures on the art path, a running path that wraps around the campus, benches to have a rest on and enjoy the green areas, and more.
Campus used to be an area dominated by cars, which were given priority in campus traffic and central spaces, but now the campus will become more vibrant and lively. DTU is working hard to implement lush green areas, diversity, and hang-out zones and accommodate wildlife with each new construction project. Klaus Jensen, Project Manager at the DTU Campus Service, says:
"We want to create spaces that will encourage people to get together and hang out. The campus used to be a group of buildings that you just navigated around in your car. Now we're making room for cyclists, making the roads smaller and lowering the speed limits. Cars will no longer have priority. It will be cyclists and pedestrians."
