Road and sewer design
Redesigning the N6 for safer roads, smoother traffic and smarter water management
The redesign of the Bergensesteenweg (N6) in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw shows how local road projects can address several challenges at once. Together with AWV, Aquafin and the municipality of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Sweco is working on a balanced redesign that brings together road safety, accessibility, water management and liveability.
- Expertise:
- Transport & Mobility
- Clients
- AWV, Aquafin, municipality of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw
- Location
- Sint-Pieters-Leeuw
- Services
- Traffic & Mobility, Landscape & Public Space, Integrated Water Management, civil engineering and hydraulic engineering
- Partners
- Willemen Infra and Connect
Local road projects are about more than traffic. A road also provides access to homes and businesses, serves cyclists and pedestrians, shapes public space for the neighbourhood and increasingly plays a role in climate-adaptive water management. For the N6, Sweco combines expertise in Traffic & Mobility, Landscape & Public Space, Integrated Water Management, civil engineering and hydraulic engineering. This results in a design where mobility, engineering and context are aligned from the start.
A safer road profile for all users
Along a 2.5-kilometre stretch, the Bergensesteenweg is receiving a new road profile. The existing 2×2 layout is being converted into a 2×1 configuration. This creates space for separated cycle paths, dedicated bus lanes and wider footpaths. The clearer layout makes the road easier to read and safer for cyclists, pedestrians, public transport and motorised traffic. Local access roads help separate traffic to shops from through traffic, reducing dangerous crossing movements.
Balancing accessibility and traffic flow
A local connecting road needs to keep traffic moving while remaining accessible for those who live, work or run a business along it. The design therefore combines a simpler traffic structure with safe crossings, space for public transport and well-considered access to homes and shops. During the works, through traffic on the Bergensesteenweg remains possible with one lane in each direction. This phased approach limits disruption and keeps the area functioning.
Climate-adaptive roads with integrated water management
The redesign also creates an opportunity to structurally address water issues. Beneath the road, large concrete sewer culverts temporarily buffer rainwater before releasing it gradually into the Zuunbeek. A separated sewer system keeps wastewater and rainwater apart. Hydrocarbon separators remove oil and fuel residues from the rainwater before discharge. In the new Wilderpark, water also gets space above ground, with open infiltration zones, buffer basins and a natural layout.
Smart execution with less disruption
The project also requires careful choices below ground. A major Farys drinking water supply pipe runs beneath the Bergensesteenweg. Because this pipe crosses the Zuunbeek, directional drilling over approximately 750 metres is being used. This technique makes it possible to renew the pipe without reopening the road. As a result, the impact on the surrounding area remains limited while the execution stays technically robust.