The F205 bicycle highway
along the Terhulpsesteenweg
The ‘Werken aan de Ring’ programme aims to provide better cycling infrastructure. We are building safe bicycle paths and comfortable bicycle bridges and tunnels. They will enable you to cycle quickly and smoothly along and across the Ring. This is how we plan to offer road users a worthy alternative to the car and to gradually reduce the number of cars on the Ring. The construction of the F205 bicycle highway is part of this ambition.
Pleasant cycling between Hoeilaart and Brussels
The F205, which is planned to run parallel to the Terhulpsesteenweg (N275), will provide a pleasant and direct cycle link between the municipality of Hoeilaart and Brussels. It will be shielded from traffic and constructed with respect for the sensitive ecological context of the Sonian Forest. In this way, we are further expanding the cycle network in the Brussels periphery.
Together with various partners, we are further developing the F205 cycle highway:
- On the territory of the Brussels Capital Region, the section of the F205 is under review.
- At the beginning of this year, the Agency for Roads and Traffic laid a wide cycle path between the Brussels-Capital Region and the Brussels Ring Road, with a wooden partition between cyclists and motorised traffic.
- On the Brussels Ring Road, De Werkvennootschap is building the ‘De Priorij eco-recreaduct’, a new bridge that will provide a safe and pleasant crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. The vegetation on the bridge will increase the habitat for plants and animals, so that they too can cross the Ring safely.
- Under the train tracks at the Gravendreef, De Werkvennootschap is building a cycle tunnel, a smooth connection between the two parts of the F205.
- In Terhulpen, the Walloon government is currently working on the continuation of this cycle highway.
- De Werkvennootschap is constructing the F205 further along the Terhulpsesteenweg, from the junction with Gravendreef to the junction with the Meutedreef.
A safer cycle connection along the Terhulpsesteenweg
The Terhulpsesteenweg is currently very unsafe for cyclists. Cars drive right next to cyclists and in many places there is no cycle path or the cycle path is in poor condition. To improve this situation we will, on Monday 26 September, start with the reconstruction of the Terhulpsesteenweg, from the crossing with the Gravendreef to the crossing with the Meutedreef. We are replacing the current road with new car lanes and a wide, safe and comfortable cycle path (F205).
More information about the works is available under the tabs phasing and diversion.
More information about the works around Groenendaal and the Sonian Forest can be found here.
Cycle tunnel under the railway near Gravendreef
Just past Groenendaal station (Hoeilaart), we installed a massive bicycle tunnel under no less than 4 train tracks. It was a highly complex job in which we completely removed the four tracks and did not demolish the associated high-voltage line. This tunnel connects two sections of the F205. From spring 2024, cyclists will thus be able to ride uninterruptedly and safely between Hoeilaart and Brussels, under the train tracks and over the Brussels Ring road.
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The construction of the Hoeilaart - Ring around Brussels zone will start on Monday, 26 September and last for about a year. We will work in different phases.
During all phases, the Terhulpsesteenweg will be closed to traffic from Brussels to Hoeilaart. A diversion will be in place. During the works, the Terhulpsesteenweg will become a one-way street for traffic heading towards Brussels.
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Phase 1: Monday, 26 September 2022 to early April 2023
Sewer and road works on the Sonian Forest side
We will start with work on the water infiltration. We will be working just beside the Sonian Forest, but the works will not affect the nature of the protected forest area. Afterwards, we will carry out road works in preparation for the construction of the future two-way cycle path.
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Phase 2: Tuesday, 8 August to December 2023
Construction of new roadway
In this phase, we will work on the neighbourhood side. We will move a number of utility pipes and further construct the new roadway. During this phase, car traffic will drive along the side of the Sonian Forest.
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Phase 3: January 2024 to February 2024
Completing the cycle highway
During the 3rd phase, we will further complete the two-way cycle path. Between the carriageway and the two-way cycle path, we will build a 2-metre wadi, a green ditch that allows rainwater to infiltrate into the subsoil. In this way, we will shield the cycle highway from traffic on the Steenweg.
General
For one year, the direction Brussels - Hoeilaart will be closed to all car and cycle traffic, but traffic in the direction of Brussels will still be able to pass.
Cyclists
Cyclists will be diverted from Groenendaal Station via the cycle path towards Hoeilaart, and via Georges Huynenstraat to Meutedreef. The diversion will eventually be shortened and Terhulpsesteenweg will be accessible via IJzerstraat.
Public transport
The Walloon public transport company (TEC) will follow a diversion for bus 366 in the direction of Elsene - Rixensart - Court-St-Etienne via the Groenendaalsesteenweg, the Waversesteenweg and the Hoeilaartsesteenweg, to drive via the N253 to Terhulpen and there rejoin the N275.
A replacement stop will be provided at the beginning of the Groenendaalsesteenweg near the NMBS car park: stop 'Groenendaal Station'.
Bus line 366 will continue to run along Terhulpsesteenweg in the direction of Brussels and serve the existing stops side residential.