FAQ

FAQ

General Questions

What exactly do you want to achieve with Working on the Ring?

Working on the Ring is an integrated programme with two main objectives: the improvement of the mobility and quality of life of the region.

Read more about what & how

Who is in charge of the 'Working on the Ring' programme?

De Werkvennootschap. This project company was founded by the Government of Flanders to tackle large infrastructure projects in an integrated and coordinated manner. De Werkvennootschap does this work in collaboration with the Roads and Traffic Agency and the Flanders Environment Agency.

 Read more about De Werkvennootschap

Why is the ‘Working on the Ring’ programme necessary?

The infrastructure of the Brussels Ring (R0) is outdated and no longer adapted to today’s traffic needs.   

Read more about why

Who is involved in the programme?

Working on the Ring attaches great importance to participation and cooperation with all stakeholders. To this end, we have adopted a five-track policy. 

Read more about the five-track policy

Timing en procedure

When will the works begin?

When will the works begin? 

The redevelopment of the northern part of the Ring will be carried out through an integrated planning process. In addition, numerous projects will be carried out at an accelerated pace: bicycle highways, infrastructure for public transport, mobi points and a number of entrance and exit complexes. 

There is as yet no planning for the works. Before the works on the northern part of the Ring can start, an extensive (permit) process must be undertaken. For example, a regional spatial implementation plan (GRUP) is needed to carry out these large-scale works. This GRUP defines the use of an area (agriculture, industry, nature, etc.).

As a first step, we are working towards a preferred alternative, the solution that emerges as the most appropriate based on all the study work, research and public consultation responses of recent years.

This preferred alternative, which we expect by the end of 2022, must be approved by the Government of Flanders and forms the basis for the preliminary GRUP. After the preliminary GRUP, a draft GRUP will be produced, and applications will be made for the environmental permits for the works in the various sub-zones. Both the draft GRUP and the environmental permits are subject to public consultation and participation.

Because the project is so large, the process can easily take several years. In anticipation of the large-scale works, we are already tackling many urgent problems, such as Hector Henneaulaan and the renovation of the Vilvoorde Viaduct.

More info about the projects

What steps have been taken so far? Which steps have yet to follow?

The integrated planning process for the redevelopment of the North Ring started with the publication of the starting note in May 2018.This was followed by a public consultation. Feedback from this was incorporated in the scoping note, published in June 2019. The entire planning process follows a fixed pattern and will result in a new RSIP and a preferred alternative. 

Read more about the integrated planning process

Minder-Hinder

How will the nuisance caused by the works be limited?

Infrastructure works inevitably cause nuisance. We will do everything we can to limit this as much as possible and to keep everyone well informed. 

 

Read more about Less Nuisance 

 

Quick wins

What are Quick Wins?

Quick wins are sub-projects that are prioritised in the process and which can be realised faster than the redesign of the Ring itself. 

Which quick wins will be tackled?

We are building ten bicycle highways, three public transport connections, two green connections, eight mobi points and various sub-projects in the North Ring zone and in the East Ring zone. 

View all projects

Are there any quick wins in my area?

On our projects page you can use the filter to see which quick wins are being tackled in your municipality. 

View all projects

Who can I contact with questions about a quick win that is currently in progress?

If a construction site is in progress, you can turn to the accessibility advisor with urgent questions about accessibility during the execution of the works.  

What is being done about noise nuisance?

For Ring North, an Environmental Impact Report is being prepared that looks at the impact of various factors, such as noise and air quality. At the same time, we are working towards a preferred alternative, the solution that emerges as the most appropriate based on all the study work, research and public consultation responses of recent years. We hope to have that preferred alternative by the end of this year. Once the preferred alternative is in place and based on the results of the environmental impact report, concrete choices can be made, including the placement of noise barriers and noise-reducing asphalt. At that time, a public consultation will also be organised, about which we will inform the people living in the vicinity of the Ring.

Multimodality

Will there also be a bus lane for public transport?

The Working on the Ring programme is multimodal, so we are also working on 115 km of cycling highways, hop-on points (places where you can easily switch from one mode of transport to another), and 3 new tram lines for Brabantnet. We are taking the flow of public transport significantly into account in the various projects. For example, we are providing free bus lanes on Hector Henneaulaan in both directions. At this stage of the study, no bus lanes are planned on the Ring Road itself, but they may be provided on one of the lanes at a later stage.

Communication and consultation 

 

What’s the best way to stay informed about Working on the Ring?

You can always find the correct information on the website, follow our Facebook page or subscribe to our digital newsletter at the bottom of the page and remain updated on the latest information.  

To the Facebook page

In what other ways will you inform us about Working on the Ring?

In addition to the newsletter, a Facebook page and an Instagram page, we regularly publish a newspaper that all residents in the Ring region receive at home. We keep local residents informed about construction sites that are in progress via residents' letters and newsletters. In order to give everyone the opportunity to exchange ideas with us, we organise frequent information sessions and discussion evenings.

How are the residents involved?

We have been working on the planning process for the northern part of the Ring Road since 2018 and have already held about 100 information evenings and/or webinars. In addition, we are continuously providing information about the project and have been organising consultation events for 3.5 years. We do not just do this when the law demands, but also on our own initiative. We at Working on the Ring are making enormous efforts to facilitate participation as much as possible. It is because of this participation, for example, that the local connection of the R22 to the Ring Road is back on the table.

Agenda

 All editions of the newspaper

Who can I contact if I have a question?

If you have any questions, please use the contact form on the website. 

Ask your question

Who can I contact if I am inconvenienced by the works?

If you are inconvenienced in any way by works that are part of Working on the Ring, you can contact the accessibility advisor