In late September 2024 the City of Antwerp approved a series of new measures to improve traffic safety on Belgiëlei (Belgium Avenue) and the neighbourhood to its north, Klein-Antwerpen or Little Antwerp. In order to limit through traffic in that district, a number of infrastructural adjustments are being made on Belgiëlei and the surrounding area. These will be submitted for advice to the district council of the District of Antwerp.
Traffic studies have shown that a significant proportion of motorised traffic in the Klein-Antwerpen district does not originate or arrive in the district itself.
The highest concentration of rat runs was found in Lange Leemstraat (Long Clay Street) particularly at the intersection with Sint-Vincentiusstraat (St. Vincent Street) and Isabellalei (Isabella Avenue, named after Isabella of Spain aka Isabella of Austria, Sovereign of the Netherlands).
The studies show that infrastructural interventions on Belgiëlei and the wider area are necessary to improve traffic safety at the aforementioned intersection. These interventions should keep motorised traffic on the larger city roads for longer, without burdening the streets at district level. At the same time, intersections are being tackled in terms of infrastructure for a maximum conflict-free traffic light system.
The most important measures are:
- Adaptation of the oval-shaped roundabout on Belgiëlei to a full-fledged roundabout: the ‘roundabout’ is being completed at the Charlottalei (Charlotte Avuenue, named after Charlotte, princess of Belgium, empress of Mexico) and Nerviërsstraat (Nervians Street). The roundabout will get a new light-controlled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, and a new passage over the central reservation for motorised traffic. The lanes and lane divisions on the roundabout will also be optimised for better readability.
- Closure of the central reservation of Belgiëlei: by closing the central reservation of Belgiëlei at the Lange Leemstraat to motorised traffic, rat-running through residential areas is discouraged. Emergency services and crossing tram traffic will still be allowed through.
- Separate turning lanes and bicycle crossings: at the intersections of Isabellalei, Lange Leemstraat and Haringrodestraat (Haringrode Street) with Belgiëlei, turning lanes for car traffic and separate comfortable bicycle crossings will be created, so that the intersections can be arranged without conflict.
- Adjustment of the Mechelsesteenweg (Mechelen Causeway) intersection: the large intersection of Belgiëlei with Mechelsesteenweg will be adjusted in the long term: a separate lane will be created on the Mechelsesteenweg out of the city to turn left towards Belgiëlei. This will improve the flow of traffic and create an alternative to traffic through the district. This measure will be included in the study of the area around Koning Albertpark or King Albert Park.
Alderman for Mobility Koen Kennis (N-VA): “This intervention requires a lot of study work. Specifically for the Klein-Antwerpen district, we will avoid rat-running traffic, improve traffic safety and flow, and we will do this without cutting and pasting.”
Further evolution
The proposed adjustments are now being further investigated and refined, with design research and calculations using a traffic model. In this way, the city maps out the expected impact and benefits.
These adjustments are also submitted for advice to the district council of the Antwerp district. As soon as these steps have been completed, the works will be scheduled.
They will start in 2026 at the earliest.
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