Kontich (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Work has begun on a bike tunnel under the N171 highway in Kontich, aimed at enhancing cyclist safety, especially for students from Sint-Rita Campus College. The project, discussed for nearly 30 years, will be completed by summer 2026 and is overseen by Alderman Willem Wevers (N-VA).
Work has started on a bike tunnel under the N171 highway in Kontich. This project has been discussed for nearly 30 years. According to authorities, the tunnel will help keep cyclists safe, especially students from Sint-Rita Campus College. It will be located about 200 meters north of a busy intersection.
They mentioned that many cyclists currently cross the road there and face heavy traffic. The high-speed passageway will be positioned at an angle of 135° under the highway. A staircase for pedestrians will be combined with the bike ramp. A bike path is also built on the eastern side of the highway to be connected with the bicycle network of Kontich.
“In 1997 I went to the Sint-Rita college in Kontich for the first time, and a bicycle tunnel was already being discussed then. Various scenarios have been on the table all that time and now, after almost 30 years, work is finally being done on it,”
Says Alderman for Public Works and Mobility Willem Wevers (N-VA).
When will the construction of the Kontich N171 bike tunnel begin?
The Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic is in charge of a new tunnel project. Work began in 2024 to move utility lines. The main construction will be starting in late February 2025 and must be completed by the end of 2026. They stated that this tunnel will serve to make cycling safer and more attractive. Currently, about 1,000 cyclists cross the intersection daily, with peaks of 60 per minute.
According to the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic, the tunnel aims to encourage more people to bike instead of drive. A public meeting will be held on February 20, 2025, at Sint-Rita Campus College. They mentioned that residents can learn about the project and ask questions.
“The bicycle tunnel has been on the wish list of our residents for decades.”
Willem Wevers (N-VA)
The new tunnel construction will start on February 24, 2025. Workers will clear trees and bushes from the site first. This is to follow rules about protecting birds. After this, the main building will begin in May 2025.
Authorities mentioned that heavy machines will come in to help with the work. The project will take just over a year, with the tunnel ready by summer 2026. During this time, cyclists will face little disruption. There will be a short detour for a few days, but daily travel will not be greatly affected.
“The work will take a little over a year. It will be ready for use by the summer of 2026,”
Says Wevers.
“There will be little disruption for cyclists during the works. They will only have to take a detour for a few days.”
