The first phase of the €1.4 billion project for Belgium’s new Limburg Noord-Zuid link has been approved. Construction should commence in 2027 on the project, which will form a section of the European TEN-T network.
The approval was given by the Flemish Government and the link will feature 8.8km of upgraded roads, as well as a new junction to link with the E314 motorway. Also included will be the construction of two tunnels under the Houthalen-Helchteren municipality in Belgium’s Limburg Province, several bridges and 17km of cycleways to provide safe, separated transport routes for vulnerable road users.
This new North-South connection will improve transport between Eindhoven and Hasselt. According to the authorities, the Noord-Zuid junction (N74/N715) is a key connection between Hasselt and Eindhoven but runs through Houthalen-Helchteren, presenting challenges for road safety and traffic flow and featuring heavy congestion. The Complex Project Noord-Zuid Limburg project is intended to boost traffic flow, as well as improving public transport and bicycle infrastructure.
Redesigning the junction and building two tunnels underneath Houthalen-Helchteren will provide a more reliable route for vehicle traffic while allowing the surface area to be reclaimed for public use. Design work has been carried out by consulting engineering specialist Tractebel for the project.
