Izegem (Eurotoday) – The Roads and Traffic Agency completed the Rijksweg renovation in Izegem after 18 months. Both the Roeselare and Harelbeke sections are now open, offering a safer, greener, and modern roadway.
As VRT News reported, the Rijksweg in Izegem, in West Flanders, Belgium, is now fully open after a year and a half of renovation work. The section between the roundabouts at Leenstraat and Kortriksestraat has been completely redesigned. The old road surface was worn out and unsafe, particularly for cyclists.
What changes were made during the Rijksweg renovation in Izegem?
The renovation focused heavily on cyclist safety. Parking spaces that were once located between the road and the cycle path have been removed. They have been replaced with a green shoulder, creating a buffer between cars and cyclists. The cycle paths have been resurfaced and widened to 2 meters.
The roadway for cars on the Rijksweg in Izegem has been completely renovated. The old paved median strip that separated the 2 directions of traffic was removed and replaced with grass-paved stones.
This new surface allows rainwater to drain away while keeping the lane open for emergency vehicles. New sewer pipes were installed so that rainwater no longer flows into the combined sewer system at Leenstraat. Instead, it is now directed smoothly to Klitstraat.
The bus stops along the Rijksweg were also modernised. Platforms in both directions were raised to make it easier and more comfortable for passengers to get on and off the buses. During the construction, the roundabout at Rozenlaan and Molenhoekstraat was temporarily paved to allow traffic to safely follow detours. Once the work is fully completed, this temporary paving will be removed and replaced with planting.
The Rijksweg in Izegem has been an important road for the city for many years, but it had become outdated and unsafe, especially for cyclists. Plans to renovate the road were announced in early 2024. Studies and traffic assessments were carried out in the spring of 2024. Major construction work began in September 2024 and was done in phases to limit disruption for residents and drivers.
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