What about the entrances and exits of the R4 now that the ‘crumbly viaduct’ needs to be replaced? Ghent peripheral municipalities critical of plans (Ghent)

A tunnel from the University Hospital to the Gentbrugse Meersen? Move the R4 or split the E17? In twenty years, the ‘crumbly viaduct’ of Gentbrugge must be replaced. No easy feat, because the E17 is an important European traffic artery and a new vision has far-reaching consequences for Ghent, but also for the surrounding municipalities such as Melle, Merelbeke and Destelbergen.

READ ALSO. A tunnel or a new bridge? Important decision looming for Gentbrugge’s ‘crumbly viaduct’

Three scenarios are on the table: the E17 and R4 remain where they are, the E17 is moved to the route of the R4, between the Destelbergen and Merelbeke junctions or the European main road runs partly over the E17 and partly over the R4. The plans were proposed and there was a lot of criticism from the surrounding municipalities.

Impact

In their joint advice, Merelbeke, Melle and Destelbergen oppose scenarios in which all traffic comes via the R4. The impact on the quality of life of residents is a major concern. The objective of improving the quality of life will not be achieved, according to the Ghent peripheral municipalities. They point to the mere shifting of existing bottlenecks.

The municipalities also fear an impact on local mobility axes in the different scenarios. Many zones in the municipalities are losing their connection to the major highways and this also has an impact elsewhere. Because drivers would have to take a detour, they fear creating more traffic in other places, which would not benefit accessibility.

In the advice, the municipalities therefore emphasize that the central location between the R4, E40 and E17 traffic axes is an asset. Simply removing certain exits would therefore have a major impact on the economic fabric, but also on the UGent Veterinary Medicine campus and the ILVO-Merelbeke Melle that are located nearby. Its accessibility would therefore be compromised.

Research

The municipalities are also critical of the scenarios that are currently on the table around the E40 between the Zwijnaarde and Merelbeke junctions. There they point out a major shortcoming in the lack of design variants and call for more research to determine whether a tunnel or possible roofing of this section is possible.

READ ALSO. Will R4 become the new E17 or will the R4 ramp in Laarne close? Municipality rejects most highway scenarios: “It’s not just Ghent that counts”

These concerns were formulated in an advice that was unanimously approved by the three municipal councils. On Tuesday, the boards jointly sent a statement to the world. The advice that Laarne previously distributed was also critical about the plans. They point out the impact on the quality of life and accessibility if certain scenarios were to arise.

Drawing up the plan will probably take years. Ultimately, one preferred option must remain, which the Flemish government must decide on. This is followed by the detailed elaboration and only then the works on the site. In the meantime, options are already being sought to improve the situation in the short term. The alternative should be ready in twenty years.