Ensuring long-term durability of vegetated tramway zones with the Nidagrass NG040 system
On a 2,000 m² section of the Valenciennes tramway line, Nidagrass NG040 cellular panels were installed to reinforce the grassed track zones and stabilise occasional vehicle traffic.
This system combines urban greening aesthetics with the technical requirements related to maintenance or emergency access (maintenance vehicles, public services).
100%
recycled
100% permeable
100% recyclable
Project Context and Challenges
Greening tramway lines: the need to strengthen grassed areas
The creation of vegetated strips in urban environments—particularly along tramway lines—responds to both aesthetic and functional objectives (urban green continuity, heat island reduction, infiltration, renaturation).
In Valenciennes, the grassed tramway platform had to cope with several constraints:
- Occasional vehicle traffic causing ruts or soil compaction
- Wet climatic conditions leading to mud and unstable surfaces
- Requirement to maintain a dense, uniform and durable grass cover
Objectives Defined by the Project Owner
The specifications required a solution that would:
- reinforce the vegetated layer to prevent ruts and collapse during occasional vehicle passages
- ensure a homogeneous and durable grass surface, even in rainy periods or under mechanical stress
- provide a technical support compatible with maintenance and tramway operation constraints
Solution Implemented with Nidaplast
Nidagrass NG040 cellular panels
The chosen solution is based on NG040 polyethylene (PE) cellular grids, designed to withstand occasional vehicle loads while preserving vegetation integrity.
Advantages in this context:
- Reinforced honeycomb structure ensuring optimal load distribution and limiting ruts and settlement
- Natural permeability and drainage: stabilises the vegetated layer without trapping water, preventing puddles or mud
- Fully compatible with urban greening and aesthetic requirements
- Easy installation: NG040 grids are pre-assembled by 4 (1 m²), modular, easy to cut, and quick to install
Technical Characteristics of the Installed Product
Panel size:
500 x 500 mm
Cell height:
40 mm
Permeability:
100 %
Material:
100% recycled polyethylene (PE)
Slab NG040
The nidagrass NG040 grass slabs are low-density recycled polyethylene (LDPE) panels designed to be grass-filled. They were specifically developed to provide a stable and driveable grass surface, preventing the formation of ruts, depressions, or puddles.
View product sheetInstallation Process
1. Sub-base preparation
Loosening if necessary, levelling the surface, installation of an anti-contaminant geotextile if required.
2. Installing Nidagrass panels
Installation of NG040 grids according to the layout plan.
It is essential to allow several weeks of grass growth and rooting before authorising maintenance vehicle traffic.
A dense root system ensures long-term stability and prevents turf damage.
3. Finishing
Reopening to service after complete rooting.
Do not park vehicles for several days on the grassed surface.
Maintenance Recommendations
- Mow like conventional turf
- Ensure adequate watering, especially during dry periods
- Provide sufficient sunlight for proper regrowth between maintenance cycles
Results and Benefits Observed
Long-lasting vegetated surface: no ruts or settlement after commissioning
Easy maintenance: occasional vehicle circulation without disturbing vegetation or structure
Successful urban integration: continuous, uniform grass cover enhancing the tramway line
Improved behaviour in wet periods: stable surface, no mud, no slipping
