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🇧🇪 Belgium /Energy & Infrastructure

Oostkamp's Kapellestraat and Europarotonde reopen after six months of work

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • The Kapellestraat and Europarotonde in Oostkamp are now open after nearly six months of construction.
  • The project aimed to improve safety for cyclists and reduce traffic congestion on the route to the E40 highway.
  • Officials highlighted the enhanced safety features, including separated bike paths and improved road layout, for all road users.

Oostkamp's Kapellestraat and the Europarotonde have reopened to traffic following extensive renovation work that lasted just under six months. The Belgian road agency removed the final signage early Monday morning, marking the completion of a project designed to make the busy connection to the E40 highway safer and more efficient.

The Kapellestraat (N50g) in Oostkamp is now a safer connection with raised cycle paths, extra turning lanes, and a clearly readable road layout.

— Annick De RidderFlemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works, describing the improvements.

The area was previously known for frequent traffic jams and hazardous conditions for cyclists. The renovation, carried out in phases, first addressed the Europarotonde, introducing separated bike paths, safe crossings, and green zones with infiltration areas for rainwater. The Kapellestraat then underwent its own transformation, featuring raised dual-direction cycle paths on one side and a single-direction path on the other, alongside improvements to the roadway with extra lanes and turning bays.

With these adjustments, all road users, from cyclists to heavy goods vehicles, can also move more smoothly and the companies along Siemenslaan (N50) are easily accessible.

— Annick De RidderFlemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works, highlighting the benefits for all users.

Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works, Annick De Ridder, emphasized the project's success in creating a safer route with clearly marked cycle paths and an improved road layout. She stated that the adjustments benefit all road users, from cyclists to heavy goods vehicles, and ensure smoother access to businesses along Siemenslaan. The reopening is expected to significantly improve traffic flow between Erkegem, Oostkamp's center, and the E40.

With the renewed Kapellestraat and Europarotonde, an important access to Oostkamp gets a beautiful and high-quality new look. Now that the work is completed, the municipality will also renew all flags on the Europarotonde. We are consciously putting the roundabout in the spotlight as a gateway to Oostkamp: a well-kept and recognizable place that welcomes residents and visitors.

— Article TextDescribing the aesthetic and welcoming aspects of the renovated area.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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