Werken aan de Ring dictionary

What is a...

Ecoduct

An ecoduct, also known as an ecopassage, is a specially designed viaduct that allows wildlife to cross the road in a safe and undisturbed manner. Ecoducts are often used to connect nature areas which are divided by roads.

Ecotunnel

An ecotunnel serves the same purpose as an ecoduct. This tunnel is specially designed so that smaller animal species can pass under roads, undisturbed and safely. It is not intended for wild animals, as an ecoduct is, but for smaller animal species.

Environmental assessment

One impact assessment is an environmental impact report (EIR plan). This report is drawn up by a team of recognised EIR experts. The report describes the results of their research into the possible consequences of certain activities or interventions on the environment, man and society.

Fly-over

A fly-over is a split-level or free intersection of two tracks or roads. This connecting road, built as a viaduct, serves to guarantee smooth flowing traffic.

Hoppin Point

A Hoppin Point is a place where you can easily transfer between one means of transport to another. Depending on the location, you will find bicycle parking spaces, tram and bus stops, shared vehicles, a Park & Ride, etc.

Impact assessment

This evaluates and analyses the possible effects on the environment, society and people. It also assesses which approach can be used to prevent, limit or undo those potential effects.

Modal shift

Through a modal shift we want to encourage people to change their mode of transport to other modes (bicycle, public transport, shared mobility etc.) and thus reduce the number of cars on the road. The goal is to achieve a sustainable and future-oriented modal split.

Modal split

The modal split is the percentage distribution of the total transport in a country by mode of transport (modes: car, bicycle, public transport, etc.). Depending on how large the share of certain modes is, this may or may not be referred to as an ambitious modal split. One example of an ambitious modal split is 50% car and 50% other modes such as bicycle, public transport or shared mobility.

Planning team

The planning team is responsible for the integrated planning process and prepares the RSIP. The Government of Flanders takes the final decision on an RSIP. The planning team for the redesign of the Ring consists of the Flanders Environment Agency and De Werkvennootschap.

Process note

The first version of the process note is part of the starting note and describes two things. Firstly, the planning of the process and secondly, the manner in which it will be carried out effectively. This is a dynamic document that is updated at every stage of the process. The starting note describes the approach, consultation and participation moments and the results of each phase of the process.

Public study

The results of the studies are public. Comments or objections may be submitted within 60 days regarding the design of the RSIP, the draft EIR report and any other impact assessments.

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. 

Regional spatial implementation plan

The planning team draws up the Regional Spatial Implementation Plan (RSIP) in which zoning changes in a specific area within Flanders are recorded.

Ring Trambus

A trambus is a bus that resembles a tram because of its length. However, a tram bus travels on ordinary roads, not on tracks. The Ring trambus will have its own separate bus lane.

Scoping note

The planning team collects the advice, feedback and comments from the first participation moment and the public consultation in a scoping note. This clarifies how all suggestions for improving the plan are taken into account as well as any potential additional points of attention.

Social cost-benefit analysis

A social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) attempts to calculate and estimate the effects, both negative and positive, of a certain project on society. Both financial and social costs and benefits are taken into account. For example the effects or impact of the use of sound walls, green buffer zones or of a bicycle bridge.

Spatial structure plan

This plan is a scientific study that explains how we should use our increasingly scarce open space in Flanders. Four angles are studied: urban areas, rural areas, economic areas and our linear infrastructure.

Starting note

The starting note clarifies the objectives of the RSIP (the Regional Spatial Implementation Plan), delineates the project area and describes the approach to research into environmental effects. The starting note reflects the initial research results of the integrated planning process of the RSIP. The Government of Flanders formally starts the planning process for the concrete implementation of the RSIP with the starting note and the accompanying process note.

Urban boulevard or parkway

An urban boulevard is a wide, safe avenue with a lane for cars in each direction, usually with a green central reservation (with trees or flowers). An urban boulevard also provides space for public transport and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.