Changes proposed in traffic pattern around pedestrian zone
The Brussels-City council has proposed amendments to traffic flow around the new pedestrian zone, two months ahead of the end of the trial period
Brouckereplein lane stays
In the Sint-Goriks quarter, Lemonnierstraat towards the South Station and Duquesnoystraat behind Grote Markt, traffic returns to the way it was before the pedestrian zone was introduced six months ago.
As well as closing off the central avenues to all traffic between De Brouckere and Fontainas, the zone also saw changes to traffic entering the city from north and south, as well as the creation of a wide loop of one-way streets to guide traffic around the pedestrian zone.
The pedestrian portion of Zuidstraat remains car-free except for deliveries, while the remainder, from Bogaardenstraat to Rouppeplein, becomes one-way in the direction of South Station.
The main change can already be seen in De Brouckereplein, where one lane was opened up to traffic between Wolvengracht and Maxlaan last autumn, to allow cars and coaches access to the front entrance of the Hotel Metropole. The city council describes that amendment as a minor change, but critics point out that it effectively undermines the plan of mayor Yvan Mayeur to turn the square into a centre for events and gatherings, with a monumental sculpture.
Photo courtesy Brussels Observer
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