Sint-Truiden (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Former operations on the N722 long-term parking lot at Sint-Truiden remain incomplete as the city introduced modifications in advance. The arrival of the parking lot causes traffic to operate with a single lane, thus resulting in morning and evening traffic jams.
A new extended parking facility built along the N722 in Sint-Truiden created severe traffic jams and access problems for local residents. Construction activities have generated persistent traffic delays as they reduced one traffic lane, which creates daily congestion in the morning and evening periods. People who have disabilities or limited mobility face barriers accessing the cemetery next to the parking lot because it can only be reached by a staircase. An investment exceeding 1.35 million euros in the project has sparked doubts regarding its design process and implementation.
“I had and have my doubts about the usefulness of that parking lot , despite the cost of over 1.35 million euros,”
Says Mayor Ludwig Vandenhove (Vooruit), also responsible for Mobility. The construction of the parking lot was approved during the previous legislature.
“During the reconstruction of the N722, two lanes were merged. This causes long traffic jams, especially in the mornings and evenings. An expected consequence of the construction of the parking lot.”
The reduction of lanes on the N722 during the construction of the long-term parking lot has caused persistent traffic delays, especially during rush hours.
Mayor Ludwig Vandenhove (Vooruit), responsible for Mobility, acknowledged the issue, stating,
“During the reconstruction of the N722, two lanes were merged. This causes long traffic jams, especially in the mornings and evenings. An expected consequence of the construction of the parking lot.”
Furthermore, the cemetery’s accessibility is limited, as the only entry point from the parking lot is a staircase. The city is exploring options to optimise traffic light adjustments on the N722 to alleviate congestion.
“The cemetery is a place that should be as accessible as possible,”
Says Filip Moers, alderman for Cemeteries (Vooruit).
“All residents of Truien, regardless of their physical condition, should have the opportunity to visit the graves of their deceased loved ones. It is a pity that this was not considered more deeply when developing the plans for the parking lot.”
What is the background of the N722 long-term parking project in Sint-Truiden?
During the previous legislature, the N722 long-term parking project received approval from Sint-Truiden in order to solve parking issues throughout the region. This project, which cost 1.35 million euros, sought to establish long-term parking solutions which would also work for the N722 reconstruction.
The construction phase merger of two vehicle lanes introduced heavy traffic congestion, which mostly affected drivers during busy times. Belgium’s Limburg province city of Sint-Truiden contains a population of 40,000 people who heavily rely on the N722 route for their commuting needs. Community members’ accessibility at the adjacent cemetery faces difficulties because the site lacks a ramp, which indicates insufficient planning for the project.
