The Mayor of Uccle Boris Dilliès has proposed that Bois de la Cambre be re-opened to traffic as a way to mitigate congestion brought about by chaotic works at Leonard Tunnel.
The renovation of the tunnel, led by Flanders, has caused a stir among the surrounding municipalities of Auderghem, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Watermael-Boitsfort and Uccle due to its negative effect on traffic congestion as well as safety concerns. Uccle Mayor Boris Dilliès (MR) has now suggested a "partial re-opening" of routes through Bois de la Cambre to improve circulation in the area.
La Dernière Heure reports that Dilliès made the suggestion in a letter sent to Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) and Mayor of the City of Brussels Philippe Close (PS) on Thursday. "Subject to the discussions and procedures currently underway, I would like to officially ask you to re-open Bois de la Cambre to car traffic in order to protect our residents and shopkeepers, whether they are from Uccle, Brussels or Ixelles," the letter reads.
Dilliès wants to re-open Avenue de Diane running down one side of the park, which would allow commuters leaving Brussels to reach the Drève de Lorraine or the Chaussée de la Hulpe via the Avenue de Groenendael.
The Francophone liberal adds that this measure could take a variety of forms, such as only opening the route to traffic on weekdays or at peak hours.
'We are worried'
Works at Leonard Tunnel, where the E411 motorway and the Brussels Ring Road meet in Tervuren, are a thorny issue. The project has even prompted the municipality of Auderghem to take legal action against Flanders. The case argues that the region failed to confer with municipalities before launching such a disruptive project.
Works at the tunnel have been ongoing for over a year. When it was discovered that the tunnel had incurred significant damage during the first phase of work, Flanders decided to implement additional renovations starting on 16 April. However, this involves more closures, and a "temporary measure" that left one road open expired on Thursday. The lack of a plan from this point onwards is a major concern for disgruntled municipalities.
"We are worried about Thursday," Van den Brandt told The Brussels Times on Wednesday. "Not only about the traffic jams but also about safety, because the detour is not on point and could therefore lead to a lack of safety in residential areas."
However, Groen is sceptical about Dilliès' proposed solution. "Spring is here and Bois de la Cambre will attract a lot of people," the party stated. "Opening it up to cars will not solve congestion and will create additional road insecurity."
Leonard Tunnel works are expected to continue until early 2025.
