Preparatory work begins on redesign of Saint-Gilles Barrière

Brussels water company Vivaqua has begun preparatory work ahead of a full redesign of one of the capital’s most dangerous junctions – the Barrière roundabout in Saint-Gilles.

Redevelopment and reconstruction of the busy roundabout – the intersection of the Avenue du Parc, Chaussée d’Alsemberg, Chaussée de Waterloo, Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies, Rue Paul Dejaer and Rue Théodore Verhaegen – has been on the agenda for at least three years.

But before it starts, Vivaqua needs to alter the infrastructure underground. Water pipes under the tram tracks will be renewed and moved under the road section.

“In this way, public transport does not have to be disrupted in case interventions are needed,” Vivaqua said. The works will continue until September.

During the work, car drivers will have to drive on a part of the road normally reserved for trams, but the company said the impact on public transport will be limited.

Once Vivaqua’s work is completed, the reconstruction of the Barrière can begin. However, no date has been fixed.

The capital’s transport organisation Brussels Mobility said that the permit has been received and preparations were under way, but that budgets have yet to be allocated.

As with many public works projects, the lack of a functioning Brussels government and the financial restrictions are likely to impact further developments on this essential project.