Verapaz Bridge Project in Ghent Enters Important New Phase with Works on Muidelaan Starting Soon

Construction is underway on the Verapaz Bridge at the Oude Dokken, which will become an important connection for traffic in the north of Ghent. The Roads and Traffic Agency is also taking the Muidelaan area into account.

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Between the intersection with Voormuide and Sint-Salvatorstraat and the bend to Dok-Noord, the road will receive a major facelift with wider cycle paths, additional traffic lights, more greenery, a new bridge ramp and room for the tram.

In the future there will be two lanes in each direction and traffic lights at the entrance and exit of the Dok Noord shopping center. From the gravel pits the road will start to rise to connect to the bridge.

Space for greenery

The connection with Dok-Noord is only for pedestrians, cyclists, deliveries to the shopping center and the future tram. Other motorized traffic is no longer allowed here.

Cyclists will have wider and largely separate cycle paths and will be able to cross in both directions. There is more room for greenery. In addition, room will be made available for tram 7, which will run here later. (Read more below the photo)

Before a new phase starts, there will be preparatory works from Monday 15 to Sunday 28 April. The road will be widened and temporary cycle paths will be constructed. For example, cyclists must make as few detours as possible during the works. There is no major traffic disruption during this period.

Diversions

However, from April 28, things are serious. To limit disruption, the works are being carried out in two phases. On Monday, April 29, work will be done on the north side of Muidelaan towards Rabot.

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Pedestrians can always walk along the construction zone. There are three diversions for cyclists, depending on the destination. Motorized traffic drives on the south side of the road. Only one lane is available for traffic towards Dok-Noord, there are two lanes towards Rabot.

Then a new phase starts. The contractor will then work on the south side of Muidelaan, towards Dok-Noord. These works may last until April 2025. The northern bridge should be completed by May 2025 and traffic should already be able to drive over one half of the bridge.