Hasselt's Elfde Liniestraat to become car-free campus boulevard

Hasselt's Elfde Liniestraat is set to undergo a significant transformation, permanently closing to vehicular traffic from June 22. This move marks the beginning of construction for a green campus boulevard, designed to create a more pedestrian- and cycle-friendly environment connecting educational institutions, Kapermolenpark, and surrounding neighborhoods.

The street, located between the Grote Ring and Koning Boudewijnlaan, currently borders numerous schools and student housing. Initial work will focus on sewer system upgrades, expected to be completed by mid-September, with construction continuing even during the summer holiday period. The project is part of Limburg's high-quality public transport initiative.

In its new configuration, the Elfde Liniestraat will be entirely car-free, with buses operating on dedicated lanes. The redesign prioritizes increased space for pedestrians, cyclists, and green areas. Hasselt's alderman for mobility, Kevin Schouterden, highlighted the project's value, stating, "We are creating an additional green lung close to the city center." He emphasized improved connections between the campus and the city center, fostering a new green space for students, residents, and visitors.

The closure follows the redesign of Vildersstraat, which has reopened but now ends at a new traffic restriction. Drivers will use a turning loop to return towards Kempische Steenweg. Schouterden anticipates minimal traffic disruption, drawing parallels to previous roadworks where diversions proved effective. Temporary measures are in place for students and staff, including relocated parking at Hogeschool PXL and a safe passage for cyclists and pedestrians. Public transport remains accessible via temporary bus stops along Koning Boudewijnlaan and existing stops on Grote Ring.

Project initiators aim to reduce car dependency among students, with currently about half commuting by car. The future vision encourages greater use of buses, cycling, or a combination of park-and-ride facilities and designated drop-off zones.

“

We are creating an additional green lung close to the city center. The campus will be better connected with the city center and a new green space will be created for students, neighborhood residents and visitors of the city.