After 50 years of paving over the North-South, the historic decision was made to build two tunnels – one under the center of Houthalen and one under the center of Helchteren. The Werkvennootschap and the Flemish ministers Lydia Peeters and Zuhal Demir opt for the transit route, with tunnels under the Grote Baan. And so a smooth connection must finally be established between North Limburg and Hasselt.
835 million euros is being earmarked for this and, together with Oosterweel in Antwerp, it will be one of the largest infrastructure works in Flanders. The impact is huge. Because a 2×2 tunnel will be built in Houthalen, 150 homes or lots will have to be expropriated. This includes the McDonald’s parking lot, the Bruno gas station and homes along the Grote Baan in Laak. In addition to the tunnels, an electric trambus will also run from Pelt to Hasselt in its own riverbed in 45 minutes. Ecopassages aan the Mangelbeek and Molenheide must protect nature as much as possible.
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