Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mechelen will turn Tervuursesteenweg into a 30 km/h zone. The project adds 44 trees, removes 30% of paving, and improves safety. Aldermen Vandersmissen and De Graef lead it.
As VRT News reported, Tervuursesteenweg in Mechelen will soon be transformed into a 30 km/h zone to make the road safer for cyclists and pedestrians. The last section of the street, near the border with Zemst, will undergo a major reconstruction. The city said the sewer system will be completely renewed, 44 new trees will be planted, and over 30% of the area will be depaved or replaced with permeable materials.
How will Mechelen’s Tervuursesteenweg redesign make cycling safer and the streets Greener?
The plan also includes new crossings, wider footpaths, and better cycling lanes.
“The entire Terruursesteenweg will become a 30 km/h zone, allowing cyclists to ride safely on the road. This will allow us to merge the former cycle and pedestrian paths into wide, comfortable footpaths with more space and comfort for pedestrians.”
The city of Mechelen is continuing its renewal plans around Tervuursesteenweg. Colomaplein is being redesigned to improve cyclist safety and create clearer crossings. Dahliastraat is getting new trees, more greenery, and an infiltration system. In Voetbalstraat, new bicycle racks and green spaces will be added. Beukstraat will feature a new 420-square-metre green area and wider sidewalks.
“We are de-hardening, greening and renewing, and you can feel that in the quality of life in the neighbourhood.”
Alexander Vandersmissen (For Mechelen), Alderman for Public Works
“We’re tackling a large and important part of our city here,”
says Alderman for Public Works Alexander Vandersmissen (Mechelen).
“With the redevelopment of Tervuursesteenweg and the surrounding streets, we’re improving road safety, increasing greenery, and creating a more pleasant living environment. We’re de-paving, increasing greenery, and renewing the streets, and you’ll feel the difference in the quality of life throughout the neighbourhood.”
Alderman for Education and Welfare Sabe De Graef (Vooruit) said the city wants to help children learn better by supporting healthy living. Through its breakfast cart project, Mechelen is bringing healthy meals to all local primary schools.
De Abel Primary School in the Tervuursesteenweg district was one of 3 schools to test the project during the 2022–2023 school year. The city is now working to expand the programme and offer a wider selection of nutritious food in more schools.
The redevelopment of Tervuursesteenweg in Mechelen has been in the works for years. In 2021, the first plans were finalised under the “Green Arteries” programme to ensure safer cycling routes and enhance water management.
In 2023, Mechelen finalised detailed designs to renew the road, renew the old sewage system, and add vegetation along the roadway. Initial works began in late 2024 with the renewal of underground utilities. The main reconstruction works started in mid-2025. The city hopes this work will be completed by the end of 2026.
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