Oosterweel Link good for traffic, bad for “liveability”

The president of the Flemish Groen party, Wouter Van Besien, has criticised Antwerp’s controversial Oosterweel Link plan because it solves the city’s traffic congestion at the cost of public health.

“We have to find a solution to mobility, the traffic jams have to be eliminated, but we also have to think about people’s health, which means that air quality has to improve and noise levels have to be reduced,” said Van Besien.

The comments came in response to the long-awaited report on the link, which is meant to complete Antwerp’ ring road and improve traffic problems caused by transport to and from the port. The report, commissioned by the Flemish government from the Antea Group consultancy, stated that the Oosterweel option, which links the road via an underground tunnel, is the best in terms of traffic flow.

But the report also stated that another construction option on the table – the Meccano option, which places new road construction further from the city centre – is the best for the liveability of residents of the city.

Groen argues that the government of Flanders can improve mobility around Antwerp by making better use of the existing infrastructure, developing public transport and improving the cycle network. Van Biesen mentioned new tram lines and fast bus links to the suburbs, as well as constructing bicycle superhighways that would take advantage of the increasing range of electric bikes.

Critics of the Oosterweel project, including activist groups successful in getting the Oosterweel plan changed from a bridge to  the construction of two tunnels under the Scheldt, maintain that the plan will increase traffic and lead to a decline in air quality in several densely populated urban districts.

The government as a whole still supports the Oosterweel link, as it is the best solution to traffic congestion and transport in and out of the port. The government is due to discuss the report and possibly make a final decision this Friday.

photo courtesy Stad Antwerpen