Question answer

The aim of the MIRT exploration is to work with the environment to arrive at a smart, sustainable and climate-proof solution for the bottlenecks on a specific route or within an area. This is done by examining the assignment broadly and making an integrated assessment. MIRT stands for Multi-Year Infrastructure, Space and Transport Program (MIRT), a government investment program for projects in the built environment.

A MIRT exploration has a fixed design that is established nationally. This involves working step by step towards the Preference Decision. The MIRT exploration consists of 4 phases:

• In the starting phase , various building blocks are assembled and combined into a number of alternative solutions.

• In the analysis phase , these alternatives are developed, in which stakeholders from the area can contribute ideas. The alternatives are provided with an (expert) assessment in broad terms. The result of this phase is a limited number of promising alternatives for the long term, which are recorded in the Memorandum on Promising Solution Directions.

• In the assessment phase of the MIRT exploration, the effects of the promising alternatives are mapped out. An impact report will also be drawn up and a cost-benefit analysis carried out. The purpose of this phase is to provide objective decision information on the basis of which a Preference Decision can be made in the next phase.

• In the decision-making phase , all information from the MIRT exploration is brought together in preparation for the adoption of a Preference Decision by the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management.

The MIRT exploration of the Old Line examines the development of the route of the Old Line between Dordrecht and Leiden and the junctions of Dordrecht, Schiedam Centrum, The Hague LvNOI and Leiden. Various variants are examined in which a scale jump in public transport in conjunction with urbanization is possible. This integrated approach has many advantages, namely:

• It strengthens the agglomeration power of the southern Randstad.

• It ensures that the cities with their top locations (commuting and working) remain sustainably accessible in the future.

• It increases equality/opportunities for people (proximity to residential and work locations).

• It leads to improvements in the quality of the living environment in cities.

• It prevents an additional increase in car traffic on the already busy road network and protects green landscapes.

The MIRT exploration of the Old Line is a joint project of the government, the province and other municipalities along the Old Line. Laan van NOI junction is therefore a sub-project in this. We will work together towards a preferred alternative, on which the minister or state secretary will ultimately make a decision.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, ProRail, NS, MRDH, municipality of Leidschendam-Voorburg, municipality of The Hague, RET and HTM.

Laan van NOI junction is a major project for the immediate area and has a major impact. In order to arrive at a good and broadly supported plan, it is essential to involve the broader environment at an early stage in the MIRT exploration and to discuss their interests, wishes and the specific knowledge they have. The aim is a widely supported preferred alternative. We work closely with the area development station area and operate jointly as much as possible. We organize various information evenings and work sessions with the local area around the alternatives and per phase and we engage in personal discussions with directly interested parties. A concrete approach is currently being developed. However, three important principles have been identified that will guide the entire participation:

• Building a good relationship with the stakeholders within the area is central.

• We work carefully and transparently.

• We have a real conversation about process, content and the way in which people can participate in the participation process.