Ypres (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On February 4, 2025, mud created dangerous conditions on Oudstrijderslaan in Ypres, risking the safety of drivers and pedestrians. The Westhoek fire brigade quickly cleared the road. Alderman Stephan De Roo confirmed the contractor will cover cleanup costs.
On February 4, 2025, a dangerous situation happened on Oudstrijderslaan in Ypres. Mud covered the road, sidewalk, and bike path, making them very slippery. Officials mentioned that this was a risk for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians during the busy morning. No accidents were reported.
The Westhoek Fire Brigade came quickly to clean up the mud. They used special tools to make the area safe again. Officials mentioned that their fast action helped prevent any traffic problems.
What actions can prevent mud hazards on Ypres roads?
According to authorities, the mud came from a small road near the old Ypres freight station. This area is now used as a storage place for contractors. They keep soil and other materials there. They mentioned that it seems that construction trucks brought mud onto the public road.
According to Glenn Verdru, this problem is not new and happens often, especially when it rains and the soil gets loose. He mentioned that local authorities might need to think about better ways to prevent this.
Officials said that they could install washing stations for trucks, clean the streets more often, or make stricter rules for contractors. These actions could help keep the roads safer for everyone and stop this from happening again.
Multiple contractors use the depot and there was confusion about who had to clean up the road. It is a known problem there,
says Glenn Verdru of the Arro leper police zone,
but now it was extreme.
According to Glenn Verdru, this is a known issue, but this time it was worse than usual. Alderman Stephan De Roo mentioned that this has happened before. He said the contractor responsible will have to pay for the cleanup. He also pointed out that there needs to be clearer rules for those using the storage area.
He mentioned that in the future, stricter rules may be needed to stop this from happening again. This could include better management of the site and rules that make contractors keep the roads clean when they move materials.
It is indeed not the first time,
confirms alderman for Public Domain Stephan De Roo (Team leper).
The contractor involved will have to pay for the costs. Fortunately, no accidents have occurred.
