Brussels’ new pedestrian zone debuts on Monday

The biggest change will be for drivers in the Beurs area. Here is some handy info for figuring it all out.

• The car-free zone along Anspachlaan extends from De Brouckèreplein to Fontainasplein, on the other side of the Beurs. Traffic coming from the North Station direction is diverted via Arteveldestraat and Zespenningenstraat, Cellebroersstraat, Keizerlaan and Wolvengracht, all one-way, in a huge counter-clockwise loop. Traffic entering the Beurs area coming from the South Station end will join the loop at Bogaardenstraat to exit at Adolphe Maxlaan (one way) or Lakensestraat, which remains two-way.

• Traffic approaching the Beurs from the east, from the direction of Wetstraat and the European quarter, will come in on Kolonienstraat, while traffic from the west will enter via Gentsesteenweg and Dansaertstraat, or via Ninoofsesteenweg and the inner Ring Road.

• New bus service 86 will tour the traffic loop around the pedestrian zone to help bring motorists back to their cars.

• The existing pedestrian zone around Grote Markt remains as it is. The new zone includes the central Anspachlaan and side streets, as well as the section of Zuidstraat between Lombardstraat and Bogaardenstraat and between Steenstraat and Kolenmarkt.

• Extra cycle paths are provided in side streets adjoining the pedestrian zone, including Vlaamsesteenweg, Dansaertstraat, Accolaystraat and Putterij.

• Buses 29, 47, 66, 71 and 88 continue to terminate at De Brouckère but the stops have been relocated slightly.  Lines 48 and 95 now terminate at Grote Markt, but will continue to serve Lombardstraat. Metro lines 1 and 5 and pre-metro 3 and 4 are unaffected by the changes.

• People who live within the new pedestrian areas can get special badges to be able to drive and park in their streets.

Complete information can be found on the city of Brussels circulation plan website.