A new future for Ghent viaduct B401 - close to BEGIN pilot site
The City of Ghent, Belgium, has appointed a study team that will carry out an exploratory spatial research regarding future use of the Viaduct B401.
The viaduct, located near to green axe 4 of the BEGIN project, currently connects various motorways to the city centre. This is causing many mobility and parking problems, among others. Moreover, this has a major impact on the liveability of Ghent’s citizens.
Improved liveability and sustainable mobility
To achieve more sustainable mobility and a better quality of life in the surrounding neighbourhoods, the City of Ghent has appointed a study team consisting of Tractebel Engineering NV, 51N4E, Granstudio, Dr. Kobe Boussauw, Dr. Leeke Reinders and Dr. Jan-Willem Van der Schans. With this, the city gives the go-ahead for the elaboration of an urban and traffic engineering concept.
Our approach to mobility has changed drastically in recent decades. There is an evolution towards sustainable mobility with more attention to slowing traffic and improved public transport. In 2017 and 2018, the city government plans to investigate the impact of this trend on the B401 viaduct. The study team will think together with users, residents, authorities, etc., to experiment and try out new ideas for the B401.
Study team at work
The study team commenced work this summer. They have a year to carry out an Exploratory Spatial Study. This will determine which scenarios are possible and desirable for the future of the B401 and its surroundings. In doing so, the study maps out various preconditions for the area, proposes research questions and outlines possibilities on both traffic and urban planning levels. Various proposals can be worked out for the approach to the existing infrastructure.
Green Axe Project
BEGIN’s Ghent project involves the development of 7 green axes, or climate-proof green spaces, around the city. By implementing green axes, vulnerability to the effects of climate change on city infrastructure can be reduced. The social or urban goals are mainly to eliminate the urban-administrative barriers that hinder or complicate the realisation of this green axe as much as possible. Also, to create a participatory process which involves the community in the maintenance of infrastructure.