The Schuman roundabout in Brussels is notorious for causing traffic congestion and gridlock, with cars moving no faster than pedestrians during rush hour. However, the regional authorities aim to completely transform the roundabout with a new project that promises to make it “a new icon of Europe”. Under the new plan, a large pedestrian zone will be created with benches and trees, and car traffic will be limited to only one part of the square. Buses will continue to circulate on Place Schuman, and cyclists will find a new network in the area. Although the building permit was granted at the end of 2021, some bureaucratic delays have pushed the start date of the construction site to September 2022, with an inauguration date set for the end of 2025.
At rush hour, car horns sound and the speed of cars does not exceed that of pedestrians. A colossal three-lane roundabout embellished with pedestrian crossings, the Schuman roundabout is unique in that it combines two hats that are contradictory to say the least: the heart of the European district, and a real black spot for mobility.
A situation that should change, hope the Brussels regional authorities who have decided to completely transform the roundabout to make it “a new icon of Europe”. “The redevelopment of Place Robert Schuman and the surrounding area is an excellent opportunity to restore the image of Europe in Brussels and in the world”indicates the permit application.
Finished the large roundabout. A large pedestrian zone will be created around the square, with benches and trees. Car traffic will be limited to only one part of the square, between Avenue de Cortenbergh and Rue de la Loi. “Rue Froissart and avenue d’Auderghem will both end in a dead end at the entrance to the pedestrian area., with a pin head loop. The section of rue de la Loi between the park and the roundabout will become a traffic-free area.
Buses will be able to continue to circulate on Place Schuman, and will have a reserved lane on Avenue de Cortenbergh, where car traffic will be reduced from three to two lanes.
A cycling network will be created. A large gleaming courtyard will take pride of place in the center of the square, with a shape that is a nod to the European Parliament.
Inauguration hopes for end of 2025
But this great project is somewhat delayed by the procedures, the consultations and the fears of recourse. At the end of December 2021, the building permit had been granted… and is still valid. But faced with an action for annulment brought before the Council of State by several local bodies, Brussels Mobility plays the card of caution: “to avoid the risk of finding ourselves without planning permission in the event of cancellation, we submitted a new request at the end of last year”says the spokesperson for the institution.
Permit granted: the Schuman roundabout will be transformed into an almost car-free urban square
A request currently subject to public inquiry. In practice, almost nothing changes. But among the novelties, note the two-way layout of the avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée. “We can therefore expect an increase in motorized traffic and therefore noise here”, indicates the request. As a reminder, this measure was the result of a deal between the Region and the municipality of Etterbeek, which had also threatened to appeal in fear of postponement of traffic.
Behind the scenes, some are impatient not to see yet, more than a year after the issuance of the permit, the jackhammers resound in the European district. Because the months follow one another, and the start date of the construction site, then set for the end of 2022, has been postponed. According to Brussels Mobility, the construction site, in the hands of Beliris, should begin in September. With the hope of an inauguration at the end of 2025.
No appeal from Etterbeek against the Schuman roundabout: “an agreement has been reached”
The Schuman roundabout, once a notorious black spot for mobility in Brussels, is set to become a new icon of Europe. The transformation of the roundabout into a pedestrian-friendly urban square with limited car traffic and reserved bus lanes is a welcome change for residents and visitors alike. Although the project has faced delays and appeals, the Brussels regional authorities remain committed to its completion by the end of 2025. With a cycling network and a gleaming courtyard in the center of the square, the Schuman roundabout will be a shining example of sustainable urban planning in the heart of the European district.