At the beginning of the week, a strange situation took place on the Drève de Willerieken in Overijse, a municipality on the outskirts of Brussels. This road leads to the Ring of Brussels and a bicycle-pedestrian tunnel, which is almost finished with its major renovation work. To avoid confusion and minimize unnecessary travel, a “closed tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians” sign was placed. However, there was also a contradictory sign just in front of it that said, “tunnel accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.” After contacting the Alderman for Mobility, Peter Lombaert, it was confirmed that the situation had been resolved, and only the sign saying the tunnel was closed remained. The confusion resulted from a communication problem between various parties involved in the renovation work. Works on the Vilvoorde Viaduct, ecoducts in Hal and Groenendael, and Léonard crossroads are planned for the Brussels Ring in 2023.
Overall surreal scene at the start of the week in the municipality of Overijse, on the outskirts of Brussels, on the Drève de Willerieken, at the level of the Sparrenlaan.
For those who do not know the place, this drive, along the regional border, leads to the Ring of Brussels and to a cyclo-pedestrian tunnel, whose major renovation works are nearing completion.
To announce the situation sufficiently in advance and avoid unnecessary kilometres, a sign “closed tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians” has been affixed. But right in front of him, another contradictory sign: “tunnel accessible for pedestrians and cyclists”.
Contacted this Tuesday for explanations, the Alderman for Mobility, Peter Lombaert (Groen), confirms to us this Wednesday morning that “the situation has been restored.” Only the sign “tunnel closed for cyclists and pedestrians” remains. The agent mentioned a communication problem between the various actors on the site. The construction of the cycle bridge under the Ring was indeed to be completed at the end of March, but the finishes finally took longer than expected.
Vilvoorde Viaduct, ecoducts in Hal and Groenendael, Léonard crossroads…: here are the works planned on the Brussels Ring in 2023 (INFOGRAPHIC)
In conclusion, the contradictory signs at the cyclo-pedestrian tunnel in Overijse caused quite a surreal scene at the start of the week. However, thanks to the efforts of the Alderman for Mobility, Peter Lombaert, the situation has been resolved and the correct sign now remains in place. This serves as a reminder that effective communication between all stakeholders involved in a project is crucial to avoid such confusion and inconvenience to the public. Let us hope that future projects on the Brussels Ring, such as the Vilvoorde Viaduct and ecoducts in Hal and Groenendael, will be carried out with clarity and coordination to create a smooth and safe experience for commuters.