Projectzones Oosterweelverbinding
The project
Oosterweel means so much more than closing the Ring. With Oosterweel, we are creating the breathing space we all long for, on and alongside the road. We are building a new city. A greener city with parks within walking distance, where you can exercise and play. A healthier city with covered areas that bring the peace and space we have dreamt of for so long. A more accessible city with safe and easy-access roads to boost entrepreneurship and oxygenate the Flemish economy. Also, a united city, with a Ring that no longer divides the city into parts, but connects neighbourhoods. Oosterweel brings a breath of fresh air. Not just for the city, but for the whole of Flanders.
The Ring made circular
With a few major interventions we are making the Ring circular. A new motorway tunnel will be constructed under the river Scheldt. It will connect the Left and Right Banks in the north of the city, not far from Oosterweel church in the south of the port. This will give rise to an extra opportunity to cross the Scheldt near the Kennedy and Liefkenhoek tunnels. The new Scheldt Tunnel connects to the Ring through the new Oosterweel junction at Noordkasteel and the Canal Tunnels under the Albert Canal, allowing smooth travel towards the Netherlands or the south of the city.
A completely different Ring
The Ring will be brought into greater harmony with its surroundings. In some places, the Ring will 'disappear’ thanks to new tunnels under the Scheldt, the America Dock and the Albert Canal. But this will also be done by covering or lowering sections of the Ring. This will allow road traffic to travel underground, thereby creating additional space for parks, (play) areas, cycle paths, etc. Where coverings are not yet planned at present, green embankments will be created to reduce noise and keep the Ring out of sight.
Simulatiebeeld Groenendaallaan ©Ontwerpteam Ringpark Groenendaal
Simulatie Ringpark Schijn - Beeld Ontwerpteam Ringpark
Parks
In the design, a great deal of thought has gone into the environment: how to create more space to make it more pleasant for residents and passers-by? Along the Ring we are laying parks. Where the Ring is covered, this gives rise to a vast space for walking, playing, cycling and sports. The city and the people of Antwerp will benefit significantly.
Fewer cars, more sustainable transport
Oosterweel is not merely for motorists. We will also make it easier to leave the car behind and opt for (shared) bikes, trains, trams or buses. We will achieve this by laying some 35 kilometres of new cycle paths, cycle bridges, and cycle tunnels, and through the construction of additional Park & Rides, where anyone heading for the city can easily switch to cycling or public transport. Making it a breeze to opt for a safe, healthy, sustainable and quicker alternative to the car.
P+R Linkeroever