From grey to green: transformation of the Ring North around Brussels
What if infrastructure projects could do more than just get us from point A to point B? What if they could actually create a sustainable and vital living environment? This is precisely what the ongoing refurbishment plan for the Ring North around Brussels is aiming to achieve.
Open roads, open spaces
In the ongoing refurbishment plan for the Ring North around Brussels, Belgium, one of the goals was to integrate the highway in surrounding landscapes, with an emphasis on improvements to the blue-green network and ecological connections. For this purpose, 35 ecological connections will be built over along and under the Ring, as well as eight open watercourses and 77 000 m³ extra water buffering. By optimising traffic circulation, the infrastructure is expected to be safer and free up more than 80 hectares of space in a robust open-space network with an 153 hectares of nature reserve and 36 hectares of woodland. There will be 27 guaranteed connections for cyclists and pedestrians on and across the Ring Road.
Future-proofing the design
Another point of interest in this project was the ability to future proof the design, ensuring that the infrastructure can be adapted to future mobility use. This isn’t just about today’s needs; it’s about crafting a legacy that stands resilient in the face of future challenges.
Green Connections for flora and fauna
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the green connection it provides between the valuable green zones on both sides of the Ring. This connection offers space for flora and fauna to thrive, while also providing a pleasant recreational area for residents and workers in the area. The green buffer also provides a cooler environment during hot summer days and retains precipitation for a longer period.
Infrastructure as a lever
Our project is a great example of how infrastructure projects can serve as a lever for creating a sustainable and vital living environment. The new bridge ensures smooth traffic flow for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, while also serving as a fully functional ecological passage. It reduces the barrier that the R0 road creates in this area. The project team was able to reconcile and translate the multiple interests of stakeholders into an integral sustainable and future-oriented design, with a focus on the livability of the urban area.
Images: © MoVeR0 (Sweco together with the partners) project for De Werkvennootschap.
