The long-awaited end to the Schuman redevelopment is in sight, as the second phase of the project is set to launch next week, according to the Brussels-Capital Region's construction group, Beliris.
The mission to transform Schuman Square, at the heart of the EU district, officially started in late 2023. The project aims to turn the area into a "real town square" with a large pedestrian zone, a visible cycle path and more greenery.
While it is welcomed by some, the project has also been criticised by local residents and businesses, due to the traffic disruptions and construction noise.
In June, the future of the project appeared to be uncertain, after the outgoing Brussels Government sent a letter to the leaders of the EU institutions to ask for support for the long-awaited redevelopment of the Schuman Square.
However, according to Beliris, the project will continue from 28 August, with works beginning in the centre and south of the area. This will impact the mobility plan in the neighbourhood.
Illustration of the renewed Schuman roundabout. Credit: Ans Persoons Cabinet/ COBE + BRUT
Until the end of 2026, the waterproofing of the Schuman metro and train station will be repaired, just like the Loi complex. Additionally, the redevelopment of the roundabout into a level mixed zone will be carried out via the modification of surfaces, the installation of security devices, and the development of shared spaces with plant containers, benches, and a new bus lane.
Car users travelling from Avenue de Cortenbergh and the E40 motorway will need to use Rue Archimède and the side of Rue de la Loi. Only authorised vehicles will have access to the construction areas during the redevelopment. A diversion will also be set up via Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée for heavy goods vehicles.
Credit: Beliris
Bicycle and car traffic will be prohibited on Rue de la Loi alongside the buildings of the Council of the European Union. The access to buildings from Rue Froissart and Chaussée d'Etterbeek is not impacted. Additionally, temporary access to the Residence Palace from the exit of the Loi tunnel is maintained until the end of the project.
Meanwhile, the section between Rue Juste Lipse and the Schuman roundabout, as well as between Rue Breydel and the Schuman roundabout, will only be accessible to local traffic and cyclists. In addition, both Avenue d'Auderghem and Rue Froissart will be turned into a cul-de-sac.
Moreover, the STIB bus lines 12, 21, 56, 60 and 79 will be diverted via Maelbeek station.
Credit: Beliris
Once the works are completed, drivers coming from Avenue de Cortenbergh and the E40 motorway will continue to be able to take Rue Archimède and the side of Rue de la Loi.
The Avenue d'Auderghem and Rue Froissart will remain a cul-de-sac that will only be accessible to local traffic.
Finally, at the end of the project, the connection between the districts located to the north and south of the roundabout will only be possible for drivers via Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée, which is a a two-way cycle street.
