Hoeleden (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hoeleden (Kortenaken) traders seek solutions to address the problems stemming from ongoing construction projects across various areas. Configurations along Hoeledensebaan, as the vital connecting road, will result in total motorised traffic blockage for 2 weeks.
Decision-makers in Hoeleden (Kortenaken) in Flemish Brabant, Belgium, have initiated major infrastructure work, which requires short-term inconvenience to local residents and business operators. During two weeks of closure, the Hoeledensebaan will block all motorised traffic, and Neerlintersesteenweg construction will require more than two years to complete, as reported by VRT.
The works are part of a plan to improve water purification in Kortenaken.
“A lot of work is being done, mainly because a separate sewer system is being installed, a necessary step because for years too little has been invested in cleaning the water in the Velpe,”
Says Mayor Kristof Mollu.
“The current purification level of Kortenaken is only 15%. The project that starts today in Hoeleden will increase the purification level by 10%. The project that started in Waanrode in March will increase it by another 12%.”
The municipality is using the works to carry out other interventions in the meantime.
“In the meantime, we are renewing the road surface and the utility lines to make the road more comfortable for cyclists and to buffer water so that there is less flooding in the future.”
“The works now serve as preparation for the sewerage works that will be carried out later this year and next year. They must be carried out now so that the actual work is completed. For example, new pipes are already being laid, and emergency pipes are being installed so that residents will continue to have water and electricity during the work.”
The fact that there are currently also works taking place on the Hoeledensebaan and on the Donkelstraat is separate from the sewerage works.
“These are repair works. They would normally have taken place earlier, but due to the bad weather, they have been postponed, and there is an overlap with the sewerage works. There are 2 different diversions, so that should not cause any additional disruption to traffic.”
Residents and traders of Hoeleden will have to grit their teeth for a while. The shop at the Hognoul petrol station in Hoeledensebaan will be closed from 12 to May 16 due to road work.
“As soon as the work is finished, we will open again, and we look forward to welcoming our customers again,”
Says Karin Hognoul.
At Ruytings on the Neerlintersesteenweg, they are currently not experiencing any inconvenience, but due to the phased approach, the shoe store will be inaccessible for 10 days during the works.
“We have already been contacted several times by concerned customers who think we are already inaccessible, but fortunately, that is not the case yet,”
Says owner Jan Vandenhove.
The shoe store solves the problem creatively.
“In 2027, we will take the concept we applied during the coronavirus period out of the closet again. At that time, we went to our regular customers’ homes with shoes. If you don’t feel like coming to us, we will come to your home by appointment.”
“We will also be putting up signs ourselves. Apart from the 14 days that they work at the door, we can always be reached via a few small detours.”
What led to the infrastructure upgrades in Hoeleden, Kortenaken?
Wastewater management issues with public utilities date back many years as the reason for infrastructure improvements in Hoeleden Kortenaken. On May 5, 2025, major sewer construction operations started when Aquafin and Fluvius began their joint venture with the Kortenaken municipality. The fundamental purpose of these projects is wastewater collection and treatment improvement through proper water source separation that directs streams to suitable treatment centres, thereby minimising environmental pollution.
The development includes extensive repairs for roads and sewers throughout Vaanstraat, Driesstraat, Lindestraat and Neerlintersesteenweg. Construction operations will span for longer than 2.5 years, while individual streets require nine months of work duration. The extended investment period seeks to modernise Hoeleden’s infrastructure standards through public health improvements and sustainable urban development.
