The three institutions want to construct a bridge for pedestrians and cyclists as an extension of the Solidarność esplanade on Brussels-Luxembourg. The bridge would cross Rue Belliard and then roughly follow the railway line in the direction of Brussels-Schuman, which means it would run right through the Leopold district and connect the European Commission with the European Parliament.
Right now, the European district in Brussels is strongly focused on car traffic, with major traffic points such as Rue de la Loi and Rue Belliard.
The European Parliament will pay for the study work, Infrabel will provide technical support and make it possible to build on the railway berm, and the Brussels Region will pay for the construction works.
However, it will take a while before the bridge is built. A feasibility study to record a precise route is now being started, and after that, a permit still has to be applied for. The cabinet of Brussels' minister for Mobility Pascal Smet (SP.A) expects that construction could start in 2022, if all procedures go according to plan, reported Bruzz.
The bridge is, however, not the only project that will have to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. "We are also giving the Schuman square a makeover," said minister Smet to Bruzz. "With this bridge, we want to connect the coming Schuman pedestrian zone with the Leopold district," he added. On the Rue Belliard, separate cycle paths are currently being created, as well.Related Content: Plans for pedestrian Schuman Square underway
A series of studies about more connections along railways in Brussels in the future is ongoing.
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times
