The North/South Line is the name given to the metro line to be constructed under the centre of Amsterdam. The line will connect the residential area in the north of the city to the office locations on the southern edge of the city. The metro line will be about 9.5 km in length, with about 4 km running underground.

The underground stations along the route will be linked by drilled tunnels (6.5 metres in diameter). These underground stations will be constructed within deep excavations, 25 to 30 metres under street level. The construction process will take place in a busy urban area, in close proximity to its many historical buildings resting on foundations of wooden piles.

Svašek Hydraulics has made a reference design for the proposed working method on the excavation, both hydraulic and dry, of the underground stations Voorplein, Rokin, Vijzelgracht and Ceintuurbaan, the three caissons which will be the starting point of the drilled tunnels and the tunnel shaft under Central Station of the Dutch Railways.

Each excavated location has a specific, unique excavation process. The reference design also included production and cost estimates for each excavation method.