Boutersem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Leuvensesteenweg in Boutersem is slated for major reconstruction, featuring safer cycle paths and measures to reduce traffic noise, officials have announced.
The regional road has dangerous bike lanes and deteriorating tarmac. For locals, the road surface also contributes to noise pollution. For years, the case has been hanging on.
A secure bike path, a new road surface, and the installation of a separate sewerage system are the three main goals of the project, which is overseen by the Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV).
From the junction with Stationsstraat until beyond Zavelstraat, the 2.5-kilometer road passes through the village of Roosbeek, Belgium.
“The current cycle path is only separated from the roadway by a white dotted line. On a road where cars drive 70 kilometres per hour, that is not a safe situation,”
says Chris Vervliet (CD&V), alderman for Mobility.
“That is why we want to build a separated cycle path.”
In addition, the worn road surface will be addressed, which should limit noise pollution from passing vehicles for residents.
“We hear from them that the condition of the road surface causes vibrations and noise,”
says the alderman. “We want to do something about that.”
The water problems are also being addressed. By doubling the sewer system, rainwater is now collected and buffered separately.
“As a result, no more polluted water ends up in the parsonage garden, which is now open as a park,”
according to the alderman.
The file has been dragging on for years.
“I have been an alderman since 2013 and this file was already on the table then. The public inquiry is now underway, in which residents can make comments on, among other things, canals or buffer basins. I hope that we can start effectively in the first half of this administrative period,”
says Vervliet cautiously.
If everything goes according to plan, the reconstruction should mean a significant improvement for both cyclists and residents.
“If this project is implemented, we will all be jumping for joy,”
says the alderman.
The reconstruction of the Leuvensesteenweg should improve local bicycle traffic, but is not a replacement for the bicycle highway, Vervliet emphasizes.
“The bicycle highway should mainly facilitate bicycle traffic over longer distances, while the connection along the Leuvensesteenweg is aimed at local and light supra-local traffic.”
How will the reconstruction improve cycling safety and reduce noise in Boutersem?
With curbs, planters, or barriers separating them from motor vehicle traffic, the plan probably includes physically separated cycle pathways (cycle tracks), which offer a specific, safe area for bicycles.
It has been demonstrated that this type of infrastructure greatly improves cycling safety by lowering collision rates and preventing collisions with automobiles.
Cyclists’ subjective sense of safety is raised by wide, green bike lanes that are physically separated, which encourages more people to ride and discourages risk-taking.
The reconstruction can lessen traffic noise by rearranging the road structure, possibly adding traffic calming techniques, and lowering vehicle speeds. According to studies, noise pollution has a detrimental effect on cyclists’ experiences and can affect the routes they choose.
