A final planning application is being submitted for the redevelopment of Boulevard Auguste Reyers this week to give more space to pedestrians and cyclists.
Brussels Mobility, the public office which oversees infrastructure projects in the Brussels-Capital Region, is submitting the application as part of wider plans to redevelop a network of streets in the Schaerbeek municipality.
Currently, there is only a small section of two-way cycle track on the eastern side of Boulevard Auguste Reyers (between Avenue de Roodebeek and Place Meiser). In addition, the two underpasses which link the east and west sides of the road are difficult or impossible to access for cyclists and people with reduced mobility.
The planned redevelopment of Boulevard Auguste Reyers will create continuous, safe cycling infrastructures on both sides of the road, and its two underpasses will be removed and replaced with surface level traffic light crossings.
For pedestrians, footpaths will be widened and pedestrian crossings will be raised to make them safer.
'Urban boulevard'
The redevelopment aims to transform the road in the north-east of Brussels into an "urban boulevard."
To enhance the public space along the boulevard, the project also plans to plant 76 new trees, as well as shrubbery and other plants. Lighting on the street will also be updated to urban rather than motorway lighting.
Brussels Mobility obtained an urban planning certificate for the redevelopment in February 2023, and has revised its planning application to take account of conditions mentioned in that certificate. It has said it is submitting the revised planning application on Friday 26 April.
The project is part of a wider overhaul of transport infrastructure in the area, which also includes Place Meiser, Boulevard Général Wahis and Boulevard Lambermont.
Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt said that the redevelopment aims to improve traffic flow, make public transport more attractive, make the ring road area safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and improve quality of life for local residents.
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Place Meiser has previously been nominated as one of the city's most dangerous intersections, nicknamed 'Place Misère' ('Misery Square') by locals due to its constant stream of traffic and inefficient layout.
Brussels Mobility said that the public consultation relating to the Place Meiser portion of the project is now complete, and the Consultation Commission met on Thursday.
The infrastructure oversight body is now waiting for a permit to be issued, and expects works to start on Place Meiser in May of next year. In parallel, Brussels Mobility said it will also apply for a permit for the redevelopment of Boulevard Général Wahis in May.
