Quality of life in the region

We are improving the quality of life in the region by investing in the built environment, the spaces in which we live, work and play. In addition to this, we want Werken aan de Ring to help renew and improve the green-blue ecological network.

The built environment

Reducing the barrier effect of motorways

When the motorways were originally laid in the Werken aan de Ring area, little consideration was given to the environment. Population centres were divided and existing connections were closed off. With our programme we want to reduce the barrier effect of motorways and even remove them by restoring or improving local connections.

Curbing cut-through traffic

The volume of local traffic in cities and municipalities located near the R0 is considerable. Public transport also gets stuck in traffic jams caused by heavy volumes of traffic, and this results in higher hazard levels for soft road users. By implementing measures locally we are attempting to reduce cut-through traffic while also upgrading residential areas.

Noise impact

Noise nuisance is an issue not only in residential neighbourhoods, but also in the wider areas surrounding the Ring, including green spaces like the Sonian Wood and the Laarbeek forest. We aim to reduce noise nuisance with soundproofing measures, for example, through better integration of the infrastructure with the environment, planted embankments or noise barriers.

Air quality

The quality of the air around busy traffic routes is poor. With Werken aan de Ring we intend to make a positive contribution to help improve air quality. That's not immediately obvious. On the one hand, we want to raise the awareness among all interested parties, to the extent that a mental shift takes place, a change in behaviour towards using sustainable means of transport.  On the other hand, there are also spatial interventions options, such as the construction of open building blocks and placing verges or green buffers, etc.

Watch the video below to see which ideas our experts have regarding quality of life and quality of life on and around the Ring.

Green-blue ecological network

Repair, strengthening and defragmenting the green-blue network

Over the years, the existing water and green areas around the Ring have become fragmented. We would like to reverse these divisions by focussing on high-quality connections. In order to reinstate those areas and to develop them further, we are working with partners including the Flemish Environmental Association and the Flemish Land Agency.

Environmental impact

During the Werken aan de Ring programme we monitor the environmental impact of the new infrastructure. Projects in the programme are subject to an extensive impact assessments, such as an MER and a project MER. Even the new tram(bus) lines for Brabantnet involved environmental impact assessments as a criterion for making decisions about alternative routes.

Limiting the spatial footprint

We devote a lot of attention to protecting both the individual, nature and the landscape by limiting the amount of space directly required by projects, and keeping disturbance of relationships to a minimum. For example, in the study conducted for the redesign of the northern part of the R0 the potential spatial footprint was assessed. Currently, various alternatives with respect to spatial impacts are being qualitatively and quantitatively investigated.

Water management

In consultation with the water management authorities, we are working with modified infiltration and buffering of run-off rainwater. Existing bottlenecks around water management will be resolved or mitigate to the fullest extent.

Watch the video below to see what ideas our experts have about nature in the area around the Ring.

Webinar

How do we ensure more nature and more quality of life along the Ring? (Dutch)

Did you know that Werken aan de Ring is much more than working on safer and smoother traffic? Creating a liveable environment is just as important to us. For example, we want considerably less cut-through traffic and noise pollution along the future Ring around Brussels. For example, we are investigating how we can lower the highway into the landscape and create more open space. We provide many green bridges over the Ring for people and animals.

By the way, did you know that we are also building a green Ring around Brussels? These are all the places along and over the Ring that we set up especially for plants and animals. You may not expect it, but a lot of nature lives and blooms along the Ring. Unique orchids, grass snakes, foxes, deer, bats… Our plans for the new Ring give more space to nature. We reconnect animal habitats, create larger areas of greenery and bring rivers and streams back to the surface. Thus, we are building a green Ring along and over the concrete Ring, so to speak.