Heldenplein Vilvoorde

Ring trambus

Start of the works

11/2021

End of the works

06/2024

Region

Northern side Vilvoorde

Project status

In progress

Thanks to the Ring trambus project, the Heldenplein will be getting a thorough make-over. Soft road users will be able to cross the new Heldenplein much more safely and comfortably. Our goal with replacing the roundabouts with two intersections equipped with traffic lights, is to facilitate smoother flow-through for all traffic types. The introduction of smart traffic lights will enable both intersections to communicate with each other, which will reduce traffic queues considerably.

The Heldenplein will also be greener than ever. The gardens around the OLV Church will be expanded. New trees and seating will transform the Heldenplein into a welcoming place to spend time. 

Bus stop and bicycle parking facility

The new, covered bus stop and bike parking will make public transport a more attractive and user-friendly option. We are providing bike parking facilities at various locations on the square which will be well integrated into their immediate surroundings. This will make it easier for cyclists to access public transport links.

Green paths

Additional new paths will make walking more convenient and enjoyable. These paths are ‘natural’ routes that you follow when walking across the square, they are green and provide plenty of shade.  We will be doubling the number of trees by planting 59 new ‘climate trees’ in various sizes. These trees have been selected by Wageningen University & Research for the beneficial qualities they bring to the city of Vilvoorde's climate, water-use, air quality and biodiversity. 

Pedestrians and cyclists

Various new bicycle parking facilities on the Heldenplein will mean that cyclists will be able to park their bikes safely in future. With the construction of a broad, safe and comfortable bicycle path we aim to make Vilvoorde more easily accessible for cyclists.

Public transport users

The new stop at the Heldenplein provides all (tram)bus users in Vilvoorde with a centrally located boarding and disembarkation point. This stop will be within walking distance of the Grote Markt and Vilvoorde's business district. In addition to offering a comfortable place to wait, the stop will be accessible for wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs.

Space for everyone

From the Hoppinpunt Kassei to Benoît Hanssenslaan, the infrastructure will get a complete makeover. In this renewed centre of Vilvoorde, every road user will have enough space. This will allow everyone to cross the canal quickly and safely. An important role in this project is reserved for the Europe Bridge. The northern half of the bridge will have a footpath and one-way cycle path (from the city centre to Kassei), which will be protected by a balustrade from the bus traffic that will soon cross the bridge on two separate bus lanes. On the other half of the bridge, motorised traffic will have one lane per direction with a protected two-way cycle path alongside. Thanks to new railings on the outer sides of the bridge, we are creating more space and comfort for active road users.

Phasing

  • Phase 1: Hanssenslaan (Benoît) - realised

    On Monday 8 November 2021, works will start in Hanssenslaan (Benoît ). On the side of the railway, we are laying a dedicated bus lane between the roundabout and Luchthavenlaan. We will renew the existing cycle path between this bus lane and the NMBS bicycle shed. This two-way path will be widened and given a comfortable asphalt road surface.

    The works in the Hanssenslaan (Benoît) have been realised. 

  • Phase 2: Stationlei - completed

    The Stationlei has been undergoing a thorough metamorphosis since January 2022. In the period up to the construction industry holidays, we are planning to finish the paving: we will start with the construction of the parking lane and the footpath (swimming pool side), followed by the construction of the footpath and asphalting of the cycle path on the park side. In August, we will finish the footpath on the park side.

  • Phase 3 : Heldenplein - completed

    The traffic infrastructure at Heldenplein was completely revamped. The former roundabouts have been converted into two intersections. Traffic circulation for motorised traffic is via an intelligent traffic light control system. For pedestrians and cyclists, maximum conflict-free crossings are provided. During the reconstruction, the junctions of Schaarbeeklei, Stationlei, Nowélei and Vuurkruisenlaan were also renewed. In cooperation with the city of Vilvoorde, Tuchthuisstraat and Lange Molensstraat even received a complete rejuvenation cure.  

  • Phase 4: finishing off the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk area

    During this final phase, we are finishing the area around the church. We will turn it into a green and pleasant residential area in which bicycle facilities and seating will be nicely integrated. The bronze horse will also be given a new location near the new centrally located and covered bus stop. This phase will also see the installation of the covered bus stops at the new Heroes Square bus platforms.

  • Phase 5: Europa Bridge

    Because of its construction with a movable section of no less than 55 metres, the Europa Bridge poses a challenge within this project. After all, we ensure the continuation of the road layout across the Europe Bridge so that the new road construction on both sides of the bridge connects seamlessly. As this so-called lifting bridge has a sensitive balanced mechanism, a specific execution method was worked out. 

    In the week of 18 March 2024, the contractor will start the reconstruction of the Europe Bridge. During these works, road users will only be able to travel over the southern half of the bridge. 

    • There will be little change for car traffic, as one lane per direction will remain available.
    • Buses will no longer have a separate lane and will travel with traffic during the works.
    • Cyclists and pedestrians will have to share space on the old cycle and footpath during these works. Given the limited width, we ask cyclists to dismount to give each other space.

     

Leaflets (in Dutch)

Nieuw Heldenplein_plooifolder
Pdf 4.17 MB
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24 juni '20 folder Heldenplein
Pdf 529.04 kB
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nov '21 folder Heldenplein_0
Pdf 5.94 MB
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Letters to the residents (in Dutch)

4 juni '20 Bewonersbrief Heldenplein
Pdf 432.73 kB
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30 juni '20 Bewonersbrief Heldenplein
Pdf 397.72 kB
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20 nov '20 Bewonersbrief Heldenplein en Tuchthuisstraat
Pdf 330.67 kB
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7 dec '21 Bewonersbrief Heldenplein_0
Pdf 527.2 kB
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10 mei '22 Nieuwsbrief Stationlei_1
Pdf 416.2 kB
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4 juli '22 Stationlei - bouwverlof tot eind augustus_0
Pdf 348.38 kB
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Plans Centre

Hanssenlaan-Benoit_2
Pdf 779.33 kB
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Heldenplein_0
Pdf 7.67 MB
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Portaelsplein_LangeMolensstraat_0
Pdf 1.69 MB
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Stationlei_0
Pdf 1.57 MB
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Tuchthuisstraat_0
Pdf 2.82 MB
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Overzichtsplan Heldenplein Stationlei_0
Pdf 6.2 MB
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Plans Europabrug Rubensstraat

EuropabrugOost_0
Pdf 1.46 MB
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EuropabrugWest_0
Pdf 659.49 kB
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OpafritN260_Europabrug_0
Pdf 1.66 MB
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Rotonde_Teniersstraat_Europabrug_0
Pdf 1.66 MB
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Schilderspad_0
Pdf 523.8 kB
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Overzichtsplan Europabrug Rubensstraat_1
Pdf 4.07 MB
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