Vierarmen junction

In order to thoroughly redesign the Vierarmen junction, a regional spatial implementation plan is needed, a GRUP. This is being drawn up via an integrated planning process. And that is where we start now.

Below, we summarise what we want to do and why we are doing it.

Go to the infopoint Vierarmen Junction

Why are we renewing the junction? 

For smoother and safer traffic

Just like the rest of the Ring Road, the Vierarmen junction is beset by many problems. Added to this, is that fact that the region continues to grow. More people are coming to live and work here, which is now leading to structural traffic jams. That is why we are working on a smoother-flowing, safer traffic system for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and motorists.

  • We are providing safe and attractive cycling infrastructure with the Ring cycle path and the Tervuren-Brussels bicycle highway, from north to south and from east to west. This includes safe crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • We will ensure a better flow for the bus and tram routes that cross the Vierarmen junction, with easy transfer options.
  • The Vierarmen junction will also be made safer and more logical for car and truck traffic. This also improves the flow of traffic.

For better quality of life

We are making life around the Ring more pleasant. This means less noise pollution, less cut-through traffic, better air quality as well as more natural environment and open space.

  • We are discouraging cut-through traffic in the residential areas around the Vierarmen junction. Through traffic must remain on the main road network.
  • The new connections will enable us to restore and reinvigorate the Sonian Forest.   Improved coherence gives nature new opportunities.
  • Attention to open space means that we will use the least possible amount of space when redesigning the junction while also eliminating any superfluous hard surfacing.
  • We are creating more space for recreation by expanding the reception gates to the Sonian Forest. We will make them easily accessible by public transport and bicycle.
  • Taking the bigger picture into account means we will ensure that the new layout of the Vierarmen junction fits into the landscape.

What are we proposing? 

At this stage of the process, all options are still open. There are a variety of possible solutions. All options have equal validity and will be assessed in the same way.

The northern section

All alternatives for the northern section will result in a compact junction. There are a variety of possible solutions.

The ‘ovalabout’ option

  • The junction will have an elongated roundabout, an 'ovalabout' (an ‘ovonde’ or oval-shaped roundabout), without traffic lights.
  • This will discourage traffic coming from the south and the Brusselsesteenweg and reduce cut-through traffic.
  • Traffic going to Baron d'Huartlaan will have to continue on a little further and turn around at the Mechelsesteenweg.
  • Cyclists and pedestrians can proceed to and from Baron d’Huartlaan directly.

The 'two-junction' option

  • In this option there are two junctions with traffic lights.
  • Traffic from the south will be able to access Baron d'Huartlaan

    The ‘one junction, one roundabout’ option

  • A roundabout will be built at Baron d’Huartlaan so that traffic from the south can access this street without having to pass through traffic lights.
  • There will be a junction with traffic lights at the Mechelsesteenweg.

The 'two-junction' option

  • In this option there are two junctions with traffic lights.
  • Traffic from the south will be able to access Baron d'Huartlaan

The southern section

Each proposed option for the southern section involves merging the axes of Tervurenlaan, so that the traffic lights can be better coordinated. We will also provide safe bike paths and a new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians.

The ‘North Tervurenlaan’ option

  • The two axes of Tervurenlaan will be merged at the current northern axis (in the direction of Brussels).
  • This will improve connection of the Sonian Forest with the greenery in the south.
  • The removed axis will be softened and partly retained as a cycle path.

The ‘South Tervurenlaan’ option

  • The two axes of Tervurenlaan will be merged at the current southern axis (in the direction of Tervuren).
  • This will enable part of the Sonian Forest located between Tervurenlaan and Baron D'Huartlaan to be merged again.
  • The removed axis will be softened and partly retained as a cycle path.

The ‘Tervurenlaan bundle’ option

  • The two axes of Tervurenlaan will be merged at the current northern axis (in the direction of Brussels).
  • The cycle path will be incorporated next to the roadway.
  • This will improve connection of the Sonian Forest with the greenery in the south.
  • All the hard surfacing from the eradicated axis will be completely removed.
  • Due to the topography, cyclists and pedestrians will have to negotiate more variations in height in this option.

The ‘Tervurenlaan 2x2 bundled’ option

  • The two axes of Tervurenlaan will be merged at the current northern axis (in the direction of Brussels).
  • The 2+2 dual carriageway to and from Brussels will take up more space.
  • The cycle path will be incorporated next to the roadway.
  • West of the junction a short crossing through the woods will be made to connect to the original road from Brussels.