Kaulille (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Kaulille, Mayor Stin Van Baelen announced plans to construct an oval roundabout at a busy intersection to improve traffic flow and safety. The project, initiated in 2015, includes separate bike paths and aims to resolve ongoing congestion issues for drivers and pedestrians alike.
In the middle of Kaulille, there is a busy traffic area. This spot has caused many problems for local people and drivers. It is where Fabriekstraat, Kaullilerdorp, Bosschelweg, Lillerbaan, Steenweg op Kleine-Brogel, and Kettingbrugweg meet. The design of this intersection is not clear. Many drivers find it hard to navigate. This often leads to traffic jams.
Because of these issues, the local government is concerned. Since 2015, the city council has been making plans to fix the problems. They want to make the intersection safer and easier to use. Mayor Stin Van Baelen believes that redesigning this area is very important. It will help reduce the problems and improve traffic flow for everyone.
How will Kaulille’s new oval roundabout improve traffic safety?
Local officials have decided to build a roundabout in the shape of an oval. This new roundabout will replace the current traffic setup. They mentioned that it will help drivers find their way more easily. The roundabout will also reduce confusion for everyone on the road. It is expected to improve traffic flow.
Officials mentioned that cars will be able to move without stopping too often. This change will help prevent traffic jams. It will also make the area safer for drivers and pedestrians. Once the roundabout is finished, it will be a better solution for local people and visitors.
“The city council has been working since 2015 to convert the intersection into a roundabout,”
says mayor Stin Van Baelen (Via).
The new oval roundabout will include special bike paths. These bike paths will be separated from the main road by green areas or special paving. Officials mentioned that by adding these separate paths, the local government concerned about making the roads safer and easier for everyone.
According to authorities, the project in Kaulille has taken a long time because of many challenges. They mentioned that working with the Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV) was very important. This agency controls two main roads that meet at this location. The local government needed to talk with the agency to ensure their plans worked together.
They also had to deal with buying land. They needed to buy properties in the area to create space for the new intersection. Officials mentioned that a key part of the project was buying and clearing the old De Oorlam hotel. This step was necessary to keep the project moving forward. After many years of planning and solving problems, the local government is now ready to start building.
“The roundabout will have separate cycle paths, separated from the road by green strips or paving.”
Officials say.
The Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV) has made a draft plan for the roundabout project in Kaulille. There are still many steps to take before construction can start. Environmentalists mentioned that one challenge is that the Agency needs to apply for an environmental permit.
They mentioned that this permit is important to make sure the project follows environmental rules. Getting this permit can take time. The application must be reviewed and approved by the right authorities. The environmental permit is needed to ensure that the project does not harm the surrounding area or break any environmental laws.
The municipality and AWV mentioned that they need to acquire private land for the project, and the owners will receive compensation for their properties. The mayor, Stin Van Baelen, stated that the property owners had already been informed about the situation. They were invited to an event where they could ask questions and learn more about the project and the expropriation process.
The mayor highlights that these steps are important for progress, but they also mean that construction will not start soon. Both the environmental permit and the property issues must be resolved before any work on the roundabout can begin.
The mayor said:
“The owners have been informed and were invited to an information market.”
