Zaventem project area
The future of the Ring in Machelen, Zaventem en Kraainem
The Brussels Ring is in urgent need of renewal. The motorway is unsafe, often congested and difficult to cross as a pedestrian or cyclist. There is little room for greenery and the quality of life for local residents is under pressure.
We are addressing these issues through the Work on the Ring programme. We are improving mobility and liveability on and along the Brussels Ring. We are ensuring greater traffic safety and smoother flow, less traffic in residential areas and more space for nature.
Plans to rebuild the Brussels Ring have progressed the furthest in the municipalities of Machelen, Zaventem and Kraainem. Most of the studies in these areas have been completed. In 2024, we will submit the environmental permit. This will be needed for the coming works on the Brussels Ring and in the surrounding area. Once that has been achieved, a contractor can be appointed to carry out the works.
Sub-zones
The project area is divided into a number of sub-zones: Read in detail here about how we are undertaking renewal in each zone.
What works are ongoing now?
Safe roads
In this zone there is a parallel structure that consists of an urban ring road and a main ring road. This parallel structure will be provided between the E40 and E19 interchange. Through traffic will use the main ring road. Those living or working next to the Ring Road who want to access it will need to use the urban ring road. This separation of traffic flows ensures safer traffic and better flow on the Ring Road. At the same time, we are eliminating dangerous points on the Ring Road. There are 48 unsafe points in the Machelen-Zaventem-Kraainem zone.
Space for all road users
The Ringtrambus and the Airport Tram are major projects on the Ring Road that guarantee a broader range of public transport choices. Among other things, separate bus lanes will improve traffic flow.
There will be new bicycle and pedestrian connections under and over the Ring Road. We are improving the existing connections. This will significantly expand the cycle and walking path network around Brussels. It will also mean that the residential and commercial areas on both sides of the Ring Road will be better connected. A safe cycle and walking path network is inviting, both for commuting and recreational walking and cycling.
A more pleasant living environment around the Ring
An extensive cycling and walking network around the Ring Road improves accessibility and enhances the quality of life for those living and working there. However, our ambitions go further than that.
A safer Ring Road will improve traffic flow and reduce traffic in adjacent residential areas. Along the Ring Road, there will be noise barriers and green verges. Among other things, we will be reducing noise pollution and working to improve air quality. Making the road infrastructure more compact will free up 40 hectares of space in this area of the Ring Road; from Machelen to Kraainem. Water basins in this green space will act as rainwater buffers. The green space itself will form a continuous park landscape for people, plants and animals along the Ring Road.
Freedom of movement for nature
Today, forested buffer strips and grassy verges along the Ring Road are already one of the major green areas on the northern edge of Brussels. Much of the Ring Road is in the Woluwe Valley which creates a barrier to nature and water. That is why we are rebuilding ecological connections.
For example, in the Machelen-Zaventem-Kraainem region we are constructing important ecological connections:
- We are connecting the forests along the inner ring road and through the E19 junction in the direction of Floordambos. This will become a forested link between the Sonian Forest and Floordambos
- We are also connecting the salt marshes to form one open area
- Kleine Maelbeek valley in Kraainem
- Woluwe Valley in Kraainem, Zaventem and Machelen
Woluwe Valley
The redevelopment of the Ring Road offers opportunities to strengthen the Woluwe Valley and the green infrastructures around it and to transform it into a large, landscaped park. Water, greenery and connectedness will predominate in this park.
There will be ecological connections for plants and animals. At the same time, we are connecting the park structures. In the north of the area, a forest corridor provides a link from the Floordambos to the Woluwe Valley. The park in Zaventem will be expanded and there will be several entrances to the Molenbos, which will also be enlarged significantly. In addition, the redevelopment of the Ring Road will free up space to provide public greenery, for example, at the viaduct in Kraainem and with the park bridge on P. Schroonsstraat.
By opening up the Woluwe and the Kleine Maelbeek, and constructing infiltration trenches and basins for run-off road water, there will be space to collect, infiltrate and buffer water. In this way we will provide 600 m3 of water buffering per hectare of paved surface. For the entire area, this means buffering more than 40,000 m3 of water or over 16 Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth of water. Once completed, the Woluwe Valley will provide significant added value for people, animals and plants alike.
Less disruption, we are already working on that
Curious about our disruption-minimising measures? Read all about them here.
