Three new bridges for the Canal cycle route

Status : Study

At the end of 2021, Brussels Mobility applied for planning permission for three cycle bridges on the 'Canal' cycle route. A "cycle highway" is a fast cycle route, often located along a railway line, a waterway or a motorway. It forms a backbone to which other cycle routes connect. Today there is already a quality and safe route for cyclists and pedestrians between the Brussels Cruise Terminal and the Buda Bridge.

The three new bridges are located in the canal zone, a priority area for urban renewal. They will be placed under bridges intended for car traffic so that pedestrians and cyclists can cross without coming into conflict with motorised traffic. At the same time, the public space will be redesigned to strengthen the link between the city and the water.

The quay walls will be lowered on both De Trooz and Sainctelette. On De Trooz, an esplanade will be created along the banks, a large open space where active users can circulate and meet in complete safety. The Jules De Trooz square itself, with the Labour Monument, is part of this project. In Sainctelette, the Quai des Charbonnages will be extended so that pedestrians and cyclists can move comfortably from Sainctelette to Beco Park. At the same time, the Sainctelette square will be the subject of a comprehensive renovation project.

The situation is somewhat different in Van Praet, as the project consists of two parts. In the direction of Brussels city centre, the quay will be widened to provide sufficient space for pedestrians and cyclists. In the direction of Vilvoorde, two pieces of land belonging to the Royal Treasury and the Port of Brussels are used by the BRYC (Brussels Royal Yacht Club). Therefore, the pedestrian-cyclist route must be built along the retaining wall between the Vilvoorde road and the BRYC.

The "Canal" cycle route in Brussels is being built with the financial support of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which wishes to encourage sustainable modes of transport by creating uninterrupted cycle and pedestrian routes.