Wetteren (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Pieter from Wetteren has fought for five years to improve Kalkensteenweg. Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) plans to replace the concrete and enhance safety is underway while the exact start date for construction is still unclear.
The Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) has created a detailed plan to rebuild Kalkensteenweg. This plan covers more than just the part that was being argued about. It will also include the area up to the intersection with Colmanstraat in Laarne and the road leading to the bicycle bridge at Kapellendries in Wetteren.
What improvements are planned for Kalkensteenweg in Wetteren to enhance safety and reduce noise?
The aim is to consistently improve the entire route. Changes will include a new asphalt surface and a new sewer system to improve drainage and support environmental health. The speed limit will also be lowered from 70 km/h to 50 km/h on this rebuilt section to make it safer for all road users.
A change will happen at Slekkebeek in Wetteren. The road will be realigned to make it safer and easier to drive. The intersection will be completely rebuilt. New guides will be added in the middle of the road. These guides will help drivers know they are entering a special area where they need to slow down.
The aim is to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow. The changes will also make the intersection safer for cyclists and pedestrians. This project is a major investment in local roads. It will address old concerns and make the roads safer and better for everyone.
The intersection will be completely redeveloped, with central guides on the roadway. This will show road users that the intersection is a transition zone and that they have to adjust their driving behaviour” , says AWV.
What steps are being taken to finalize the Kalkensteenweg improvement plan in Wetteren?
The final plan for rebuilding Kalkensteenweg has not yet been approved. The local government and the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) still need to agree. This creates some uncertainty about adding safety features for cyclists, especially near the bicycle bridge at Kapellendries.
AWV wants to focus on cyclist safety, but the details are still under review. They plan to talk with the community first. They will show the design to residents to get their feedback before making any final decisions.
A study is still in progress to find ways to improve the road between Colmanstraat and Laarne. This area is being carefully checked to see how to make it safer and better. Based on the study’s results and community feedback, more changes might be added to the final plan.
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AWV wants to ensure the planning process is thorough and includes everyone. They aim to make real improvements for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. However, until the design is finished and approved, it is unclear what the full plans will be and when they will take place.
Pieter, a resident, is happy about the plans. He says the traffic on Kapellendries has been unsafe for a long time. He likes that they will improve the intersection with Slekkebeek, where many accidents happen.
Pieter hopes that changing concrete to asphalt will make less noise and vibrations. He believes that talking with AWV helped them understand each other better. If all goes well, work will start early next year in 2026.
Pieter from Wetteren worked for five years to make Kalkensteenweg safer and quieter. The street was noisy because of its vibrating concrete strips. In 2023, a judge agreed with Pieter and told the Flemish government to fix the road within a year. However, as the deadline approached, there was no progress. Frustrated, Pieter went back to court to push the government to act.
After five years of effort, all the people visited Kalkensteenweg, and they created a plan. This plan aims to fix the noisy concrete strips and make the road safer for cyclists and pedestrians. It addresses the concerns that Pieter and his neighbors raised from the beginning. while the exact start date for construction is still unclear.
