Schaerbeek's Place General Meiser has long been known for its chaotic, even dangerous, traffic management. Plans for its redesign were revealed on Friday and focus on making it safer for all users.
The square in the northeast of Brussels has been dubbed by locals as Place Misère (Misery Square) due to the constant stream of traffic and inefficient layout of the roundabout. This has resulted in it being nominated one of the city's most dangerous intersections.
After years of complaints, the square will finally be redesigned with Brussels Mobility submitting a planning application for the works, which aim is to simplify traffic flows and make the space greener.
Credit: Brussels Mobility
"Meiser today is an inefficient, dangerous and unlivable roundabout. It will soon be transformed into a pleasant, green square for local residents, a junction that is both smoother and safer for all modes of transport," Elke Van den Brandt, Brussels Minister for Mobility and Public Works, said.
No more roundabout
The main work will be to replace the large roundabout, which in its current format is difficult for motorists and cyclists to negotiate due to confusing lane changes and two intersections.
One intersection will be put in place to handle traffic on the Reyers Avenue and Boulevard Général Wahis axis, while the other will manage traffic flows from Avenue Ernest Cambier, Avenue Rogier, Chaussée de Louvain and Avenue Eugène Plasky.
The diagonal crossing of the square by tram tracks will also be removed.
Visuals of the renewed Meiser Square. Credit: Brussels Mobility
By removing the roundabout, more space will be left to develop wider and safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, separate from cars and ensuring traffic fluidity for all modes of transport.
Here, Brussels Mobility will plant about a hundred full-grown trees and add spacious plant beds, with an integrated rainwater management system.
Brussels Mobility hopes to obtain planning permission by spring 2024 so that work can begin in spring 2025.
