The Bailli and Vleurgat tunnels in Brussels are due to undergo essential reinforcement this summer, following inspections carried out in 2022 that indicated worsening corrosion problems at the anchor heads of the prestressing cables in their roofs. Brussels Mobility reports that failure to act would pose a potential medium-term danger to users, with the possibility of a sudden rupture of part of the roof. The regional administration intends to place shoring inside the tunnels to reinforce their roofing. Meanwhile, renovations are planned for the Belliard and Loi tunnels, with two and a half years of construction work slated. During this period, traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction, and traffic diversions will be in place. The new construction project is expected to impact several neighboring plans, including the Ixelles mobility plan, which will necessitate a revision.
The Bailli and Vleurgat tunnels will undergo essential reinforcement this summer. “Analysis and inspections carried out in 2022 indicate an aggravation of the corrosion problems at the level of the anchor heads of the prestressing cables of the roofs of these tunnels” , indicates Brussels Mobility. Clear, “If nothing is done, this would involve a potential danger for users in the medium term, with the possibility of a sudden rupture of part of the roof.” The regional administration plans to place shoring in these tunnels to reinforce their roofing from the inside.
Traffic limited to a single lane
During construction, traffic will be limited to one traffic lane in each direction instead of two. The construction site is planned during the long holidays. The first phase will last one month. It will be a question of reinforcing the roof of the pertuis towards La Cambre. The pertuis towards the center will therefore be modified in order to accommodate a traffic lane in each direction (towards the center and towards La Cambre).
The second phase provides for the reinforcement of the roof of the pertuis towards the center. Traffic to La Cambre is restored in the pertuis towards La Cambre, the capacity of which is now limited to one lane. Traffic in the direction of the center is diverted on the surface via a temporary road layout next to the tunnels, in the parking area. Before and after this summer closure, the tunnels will also be completely closed on certain nights, between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., from Sunday to Thursday.
Brussels tunnels: anti-illegal HGV gantries
Impact on the Ixelles Good Move plan
The works undertaken require a lane to be placed under these two tunnels, in each direction; almost definitively. Brussels Mobility ensures that the current volume of traffic allows the setting to a definitive band. This project will impact several neighboring projects including the Ixelles mobility plan.
“We are going to have to review either the tempo or the measures of our mobility plan” comments the mayor of Ixelles, Christos Doulkeridis (Ecolo). “We should not make things more complicated and take security issues into account.”
The Mayor of the City of Brussels, Philippe Close (PS), in any case does not share the Region’s vision. “Put on a tape for the duration of the construction site, it’s normal. But we never said it was final. Avenue Louise deserves a global reflection. We’re not going to leave props for ten years. I understand the urgency. But for a final project, you need real reflection.”
The socialist also asks for details on how Brussels Mobility will report traffic. It still requires that BM organizes a consultation with local residents and traders. “It’s fine to say everywhere that you have to do citizen participation… You still have to go to the end of your convictions.” Message sent to Ecolo/Green…
In conclusion, the reinforcement of the Bailli and Vleurgat tunnels is a necessary step to ensure the safety of road users in Brussels. Despite the necessary construction work that will limit traffic to a single lane, Brussels Mobility assures the public that this will be a definitive solution. However, the impact on neighboring projects, such as the Ixelles Good Move plan, is already being felt. As officials discuss the necessary measures, it is important to balance safety concerns with the needs of the community. Only through open communication and citizen participation will Brussels be able to find a long-term solution that works for everyone.