Upcoming redevelopment
In agreement with the municipality of Saint-Gilles/Sint-Gillis, STIB-MIVB and the Region are going to redevelop rue Moris/Moristraat and rue Antoine Bréart/Antoine Bréartstraat between place Janson/Jansonplein and the intersection with rue d'Albanie/ Albaniëstraat. The need to replace the worn-out tram tracks provided an opportunity to develop a full-scale renovation and resizing project for the roadways from façade to façade, which will improve tram traffic. The plan outlines a high-quality public space for all road users. At the end of the works, the tram traffic will be smoother and safer. Moreover, the new tracks will be placed on shock-absorbing mechanisms to help reduce the noise and vibrations caused by trams passing through the street.
Beyond rue d'Albanie/ Albaniëstraat, the works will be limited to the installation of new tracks on the curve towards rue de Lombardie/Lombardijestraat and the setup of overhead line poles on rue de Lombardie/Lombardijestraat (up to the intersection with rue de Savoie/Savoiestraat).
A building permit was issued on 13 March 2024, the full plan is available in the ‘Downloads’ section.
TwitterList of links
Improving the quality of public space
Resizing the traffic lanes
In its current state, the street is too narrow. Parked vehicles frequently impede tram traffic. The traffic lanes will be widened to improve tram traffic and ensure road safety.
Changing traffic directions
The current one-way traffic between place Janson/Jansonplein and the intersection with rue d’Irlande/Ierlandstraat will be maintained, with trams being the only vehicles allowed to use that section between rue d’Irlande/Ierlandstraat and place Janson/Jansonplein. Additionally, rue Moris/Morisstraat, between Chaussée de Waterloo/Waterlose Steenweg and rue d'Irlande/Ierlandstraat, will be made one-way but in the opposite direction. Only trams will be allowed to run from rue d'Irlande/Ierlandstraat towards Chaussée de Waterloo/Waterlose Steenweg. This change will improve the regularity and the travel time of trams 81 and 97 and reduce transit traffic for residents.
Upgrading stops to meet accessibility standards
All 'Moris' tram stops on rue Moris/Morisstraat, rue Antoine Bréart/Antoine Bréartstraat, and on Chaussée de Waterloo/Waterlose Steenweg, will be upgraded to meet the latest accessibility standards, with special attention given to access for people with reduced mobility.
Improving pedestrian walkways
The pavements near schools and shops will be widened to increase comfort and safety. Pedestrian crossings will be made wider at every intersection to ensure pedestrian safety, especially near the Institut Saint-Jean-Baptiste de la Salle. Cyclists will benefit from the changes as the current worn-out road surfaces will be renovated. Moreover, recommended comfortable areas will be marked on the ground.
Greening and implementing an integrated rainwater management system
To enhance the street's landscape quality and reduce the urban heat island effect observed in heavily built-up and mineralised areas, many trees will be planted. Rain gardens will be created to collect rainwater through slight slopes directing runoff towards them. The water will be retained in these soil volumes by the roots of specific plants that will be planted there. These green swales will enhance the street's appeal, especially near the Institut Saint-Jean-Baptiste de la Salle.
Timing
The building permit was issued on 13 March 2024. Details on the start date of the works, their phasing and organisation are still being finalised. Relevant information on these aspects will be released as soon as possible. All efforts will be made to make it easier for residents and users of the affected roads.