Leuven (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leuven, AWV, and De Lijn got €3 million EU funding to plan transport upgrades, including Kessel-Lo Junction, the station area, and key roads. Dirk Vansina leads the mobility efforts.
As VRT News reported, the city of Leuven is working together with the Flemish Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV) and the public transport company De Lijn to plan big changes to its transport system. They have received €3 million from the European Union to pay for early research and planning for these projects. This money is part of a larger €6 million request.
They mentioned that the funds will help pay for important studies, like checking how the projects might affect the environment, making technical plans, and looking at how people move around the city. These studies are needed before the actual building can begin.
City leaders say that this support from Europe shows how important Leuven is as a centre in the network of European roads, trains, buses, and bike routes. The main train station in Leuven will be the key starting point for all these transport links. They mentioned that the goal is to make the city better connected, not just locally but also to other parts of Europe.
How will €3M EU funds transform Kessel-Lo and Leuven transport?
According to officials, the project wants to make it easier for people to reach important places in Leuven. These places include Arenberg Science Park, the University Hospital, and the new Leuven North Science Park. The city says these places must be easy to get to for everyone. People should be able to go there by walking, biking, using the bus or train, or driving. Leuven also wants to stay an important place in Europe for science and healthcare.
The city of Leuven is putting a lot of focus on the Kessel-Lo Junction in its new transport plans. This is an important crossing point that links Leuven’s main train station to the new Leuven Noord Science Park, which is still being developed. The junction is a key part of the city’s traffic system.
City leaders express that it needs to be adjusted for safety, ease of use for all, and a better fit for surrounding residents. According to Dirk Vansina, the city’s mobility and planning manager, the Kessel-Lo Junction is very important. He explains that it is a place where they want to bring together road safety, smooth movement of traffic, and a better quality of life.
A new bicycle bridge will be built. There will also be space for new buildings near the junction. Some of the European money will be used to study how to improve the bus station next to the train station. This will be done with help from De Lijn, the bus company.
Officials mentioned that these changes are important because there have already been a few accidents in that area. The city wants to fix this and make the whole place safer and better for everyone.
“Several major roads will also be upgraded, including the Diestsesteenweg and the reconstruction of the Leuven Ring Road and the Mechelsesteenweg. Thanks to these funds, we’re accelerating all these projects,”
Vansina added.
