The Leopold III-laan bicycle and pedestrian bridge
We are fully committed to more and better bicycle infrastructure with the 'Werken aan de Ring' (Work on the Ring) programme. We are building safe cycle paths and comfortable bicycle bridges and tunnels. They will enable you to cycle smoothly and quickly along and across the Ring Road. This is how we are providing road users with a good alternative to the car and gradually reducing the number of vehicles on the Ring Road. The construction of the Leopold III-laan bicycle and pedestrian bridge is in line with this ambition.
Walking and cycling safely over Leopold III-laan
We are building a major bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Leopold III-laan as part of Work on the Ring. This bridge will connect Harenweg in Zaventem and Sint-Stevens-Woluwestraat in Machelen and is part of the FR0 Ring bicycle highway.
Currently, cyclists cross Leopold III-laan via Bourgetlaan and Raketstraat. This creates a diversion of almost a kilometre, where they cross a lot of traffic. This is an uncomfortable and dangerous situation, which we will remedy by installing a bridge over Leopold III-laan. So you will soon be cycling smoothly and safely between Zaventem and Machelen.
The bridge will link to the future F201 bicycle highway which will connect the airport and Brussels city centre. In addition, the bridge forms a missing link on the route of the future Ring bicycle path between Haachtsesteenweg (N21) and R22 Woluwedal.
This bicycle and pedestrian bridge is therefore an essential link in the cycle network in and around Brussels. It will have a positive effect on the quality of life, traffic safety, environmental quality and mobility. The bridge will:
- increase safety and comfort for cyclists
- provide pedestrians with a safe and shorter connection over the Leopold III-laan
- reduce the negative effects of both Leopold III-laan and Raketstraat and Hermeslaan for pedestrians and cyclists
Comfortable cycle and pedestrian bridge
Between Harenweg and Sint-Stevens-Woluwestraat, we are building a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Leopold III-laan. The bridge is 710 metres long and will be one of the longest in Flanders. On the bridge, we will provide a bicycle and footpath separated by a colourful surface. Along both sides of Leopold III-Laan, you will find stairs equipped with a bike gutter. So you can also reach the bridge via Bourgetlaan, Raketstraat and the future stops of the Airport Tram.
The bridge has a parabola shape and rests on architecturally elaborate V-shaped piers. The design ensures optimal integration into the surroundings.
Planning
After an initial preparatory phase with utility and drainage works, the contractor will start installing the first piers of the bridge. This complex work will be completed, subject to unforeseen circumstances, at the turn of the year 2023-2024. Read more under phasing.
Copyright en architectural design fietsbrug A201 architectenbureau ZJA
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The construction of the bridge will take place in 4 phases. We will begin at Harenweg, working across Leopold III-laan towards Raketstraat and Sint-Stevens-Woluwestraat.
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Phase 1: Zone South (Harenweg)
November '22 - December '23
Near Harenweg, we will start some preparatory works on utility pipes and sewerage. Then we will place the abutment along the south side, the approach to the bridge that allows the transition from the ground to the bridge. The first piers and the first section of the bicycle and pedestrian bridge will follow.
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Phase 2: Central reservation Leopold III-laan
January '23 - November '23
To place the piers for the second part of the bridge, we are clearing a number of trees and laying a temporary pavement in the central reservation. After installation, the temporary paving will disappear again and greenery will return. We will provide stairs with bike gutters along both sides of Leopold III-laan.
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Phase 3: Raketstraat
February '23 - November '23
In phase three, we will install the piers and bridge sections in Raketstraat.
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Phase 4: Zone North Sint-Stevens-Woluwestraat
March '23 - December '23
In the final phase, we will install the piers of the last section of the bridge. Some earthwork and foundation work is involved to build the approach ramp for the abutment. This will make it easy to cycle and walk on and off the bridge.
These dates are subject to any changes in the project schedule.
Omleiding autoverkeer
Hinder aan Raketstraat
In de nacht van 31 januari op 1 februari vinden er werken plaats langs de Bessenstraat en de Raketstraat, opnieuw tussen 22u00 en 06u00.
De impact:
- Afsluiten Raketstraat voor gemotoriseerd verkeer. Wandelaars en fietsers met fiets aan de hand kunnen voorbij.
- Omleiding via JF Kennedylaan > Grensstraat > Hermeslaan > Bourgetlaan
Diversion for cyclists
A diversion for cyclists will apply throughout the works. Harenweg will be closed to all traffic. Coming from Woluwebos or Lange Wagenstraat, take Lambroekstraat towards Hector Henneaulaan and Grenstraat.
There you can return to Leopold III-laan or cycle under it towards the J.F. Kennedylaan and Bosstraat. At Bosstraat, turn left towards Victor Servranckxstraat and Groenstraat. This will take you to Saint-Stevens-Woluwelaan.
As part of the construction of the cyclist and pedestrian bridge over the Leopold III-Laan, we will occupy one lane of the Raketstraat. As a result, alternating traffic will be regulated via traffic lights from 28 November.
