Redevelopment of the Rue Emile Delva and Rue Steyls intersection

What is it about?

The busy intersection to the northwest of the Place Emile Bockstael is an important axis for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport and motorised traffic. It is really more of a very grey and mineral intersection, with a lot of lost space. Cars can park across it (diagonally), which can lead to dangerous situations when entering and exiting (limited visibility).

The width of the Rue Emile Delva encourages cars to drive too fast. The intersection is designated by the Region as 'Zaca' (Zones à concentration d'accidents), which are the most dangerous intersections in the entire Brussels Capital Region.

Rue Emile Delva and Rue Steyls intersection

What purpose?

The City of Brussels has drawn up a greening master plan for Old Laeken. Based on a study of the subsoil, several spots were identified with great potential for greening (such as a lot of free space in the subsoil for tree roots) and a need for softening. The Steyls - Delva intersection is among the spots we are taking care of as part of this master plan.

By softening the intersection and adding lots of nature and trees, we will ensure cooling on hot days (fight against heat island effect) and we will be able to collect rainwater on site (less risk of flooding).

We add benches and playground equipment to make it not only a place where people pass, but also a place where meeting people is possible. We will install 10 bicycle staples and renew the lighting.

The cross parking spaces will disappear (16 in total) and the road surface will be narrowed. This will significantly improve the traffic safety of the intersection.

No changes will be made to the roadway, direction of traffic or public transport. Public transport stops will be adapted to the needs of people with reduced mobility and will be better integrated.

The car parks at the intersection will remain accessible to users. And we also provide space for a café terrace.

Planting and softening

The intersection is currently almost entirely mineral. The softening of a third of the public space will allow rainwater to infiltrate naturally into the soil and relieve the sewage network. By planting 21 trees and creating green zones with plants for every season, we increase the city's biodiversity and fight against heat islands.

Plans

You can consult the plans via the presentation below:

Presentation - reconstruction of the Rue Emile Delva and Rue Steyls (PDF, 7.14 MB)

Planning, procedure and works

The planning application for the redevelopment will be submitted to the Region in April 2023.

A public enquiry and a Consultation Committee will follow as part of the planning application procedure.

Redevelopment of the Rue Emile Delva and Rue Steyls intersection

Progress

Validation