Redevelopment of the Ring around Brussels (R0)
The Ring around Brussels will be smoother and safer and its surroundings greener
PROJECT HISTORY
The challenge
There are lots of traffic jams and accidents on the Ring around Brussels every day. It is also outdated.
The solution
The Flemish Government therefore wants to redevelop the R0 and its adjoining infrastructure, as well as tackle traffic on smaller roads and the fragmented green landscape.
The impact
The R0 is an important economic asset. Its redevelopment gives it a new lease of life, with more space for cyclists and alternative modes of transport.
>100,000
vehicles per day
88 ha
of additional green spaces
60
ecological connections
The challenge
The Ring around Brussels (R0) is a major artery for commuters to and from the Belgian capital, as well as for long-distance traffic. But the Ring was designed for the traffic of the last century, with little attention given to soft mobility and public transport and without taking into account existing spatial, functional and ecological relationships. Accidents on the Ring almost always directly lead to large-scale traffic jams that affect the whole region. Changes are therefore needed to meet the needs of today.
The solution
In 2022, the 'Werkvennootschap' (the Flemish authorities) presented their updated redevelopment plans via the 'Werken aan de Ring' program, with the main response being to introduce a parallel structure in the Zaventem area to separate long-distance and local traffic. In the Wemmel area, the accesses and exits will be redeveloped to improve the flow of traffic and to help tackle long-distance traffic in residential areas. This plan was developed together with local residents and other interested parties through an intensive participatory process.
An 'annex' infrastructure, including free bus lanes for the Ringtrambus, redeveloped accesses and exits, cycle highways, bicycle bridges and connecting hubs, will also improve the link between the Brussels periphery and the capital.
Arcadis, Sweco and subcontractors Frank Van Hulle, Zwarts & Jansma and CLUSTER join forces under the name 'MoVeR0.' We support the 'Werkvennootschap,' conducting studies on the northern part of the Ring. Based on studies, traffic figures and other data, we are working on a technical design (for roads, engineering works and additional infrastructure) to make traffic smoother and safer and the environment greener.
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In addition, we provide bid advice and support for stakeholder management and communication. Throughout the process, consultation with local organizations, such as pedestrian and bicycle associations, neighboring municipalities and their residents, as well as public transport companies, will be crucial.
The impact
Located at the heart of the Belgian and European road network, the R0 is an important economic hub used daily by people commuting to work, while it is also a major route for international freight traffic, with more than 100,000 vehicles using the road per day. This redevelopment gives the Ring a new lease of life and prepares Brussels for the traffic of tomorrow.
The planned changes will improve the quality of life of residents living around the periphery of Brussels, as the new Ring will take up less space than it currently does. Nearly 88 hectares of space will be freed up and more than 60 ecological connections will be built along, over and under the R0.
Efforts to respond to climate change are also an important part of the project. Eight enclosed waterways will be reopened. The network of open spaces in and around the R0 will be further improved through various reappropriation initiatives. With thousands of cubic meters of additional buffer space, the area is better protected if there is heavy rain.
Used capabilities
