Ideas map
The questions and suggestions that came out of the participation events in 2019 have been collected, carefully logged and are shown here on an interactive map. If you would like a summary of the questions, you can consult the list view.
During the information markets in 2018, we collected numerous ideas and questions. We have bundled the questions and answers and you can read them on our documents page. You will find them under 'Ideas and questions from local residents - June 2018'.
How long will the work take?
The exact start date and the precise duration of the renovation work will only be known once the contract has been put out to tender. Currently, various studies are being conducted in order to ensure a high-quality project. During the work, measures will be taken to limit traffic disruption as much as possible.
I live in a municipality with language facilities (faciliteitengemeente) and want to receive information in French. Is that possible?
Interested French speakers can send us an e-mail in order to receive information in French.
Is the decision about the redevelopment of the ring definitive?
Yes. In 2013, the Government of Flanders decided to completely redevelop the Brussels Ring Road. It took this decision on the basis of research findings, such as an environmental impact study and a social cost-benefit analysis.
What is meant by through and local traffic?
A driver who joins the Ring Road to depart at the next junction is local traffic, so he or she must take the local lanes. A driver who goes from one junction to the next without leaving the road is through traffic. He or she must therefore stay on the express lanes.
What will the renovation precisely involve?
There will be a separation of the through and local traffic into express and local lanes. This involves two separate roads, like with the Eindhoven Ring Road (Randweg). As a result, many of the weaving manoeuvres that today result in incidents and accidents will disappear. You only switch between the express and local ring roads in the transition zones (e.g. Vilvoorde viaduct). In this article you can see how the traffic will flow on the renovated Brussels Ring Road.
Why are local (parallel) lanes being constructed?
An important goal of the project is to eliminate the numerous dangerous weaving manoeuvres that today lead to incidents and accidents. Currently, cars and lorries criss-cross each other, as on average every 500 metres there are slip roads leaving and joining the Brussels Ring Road. This results in a chaotic road. On the updated Ring Road, motorists joining or leaving the road will drive on local (parallel) lanes, separated from the express (main) lanes. So they will no longer drive with the through traffic. The result? A calmer road, and fewer accidents. Building local lanes is therefore the best solution.
Why is the Brussels Ring Road being redeveloped?
The Brussels Ring Road, also known as the R0, has not changed since it was built (between forty and fifty-six years ago). The many slip roads on and off (on average every 500m!) lead to dangerous weaving manoeuvres, traffic jams and accidents. In 2014 alone, almost 1100 incidents leading to disruption took place on the Brussels Ring Road. With the redevelopment, the road will be completely renewed and the handling of the traffic will be improved.
Will the whole of the Brussels Ring Road be changed immediately?
The changes are happening in the northern section of the Brussels Ring Road between the E40 (direction Ghent) and the E40 (direction Leuven). That section will be split into three zones: the Zaventem zone (from the junction with the E40, direction Leuven, up to and including the junction with the E19 to Antwerp), the Vilvoorde zone (from the Vilvoorde viaduct to the junction of the A12 in Strombeek-Bever) and the Wemmel zone (from the junction of the A12 in Strombeek-Bever to the junction of the E40 in Groot-Bijgaarden).
Will there also be investment in alternative means of transport such as bicycles and public transport?
There will be investment in restructuring 20 km of road infrastructure, but also investment in 40 km of brand-new cycling infrastructure and 60 km of new tram tracks from the Brabantnet. While the renovation of the Ring Road is necessary, it will not solve all mobility problems. A holistic approach with attention for public transport, road and cycling infrastructure and mobility management is required.