Transportlaan Genk
New cycle tunnel removes key bottleneck on the F75 in Genk
Transportlaan Genk
Every day, around 9,000 cars, 1,500 lorries and 500 cyclists and motorcyclists pass through the junction of Transportlaan and Hengelhoefstraat in Genk. Its redevelopment will make these journeys considerably safer. Witteveen+Bos designed a new cycle tunnel that will completely separate cyclists from motorised traffic.
A missing link on the F75
The F75 – Kolenspoor cycle highway is being developed into a continuous cycling route between Beringen and Maaseik. The junction of Transportlaan and Hengelhoefstraat remained one of its key bottlenecks.
Cyclists had to cross a busy road carrying large volumes of freight traffic. This not only felt unsafe, but also made the route less attractive. The new tunnel removes this conflict.
Cyclists travelling from the F75 or Hengelhoefstraat towards Hengelhoef will soon pass beneath Transportlaan. They will no longer need to cross lanes used by cars and lorries.
Our contribution: one integrated design for every road user
Witteveen+Bos was responsible for designing the redevelopment. We looked beyond the cycle tunnel itself, considering the junction as a whole and the interaction between cyclists, freight traffic, cars, water management and lighting.
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The design includes:
- a cycle tunnel beneath Transportlaan;
- a comfortable two-way cycle path alongside the Essers transport site;
- a wider junction, allowing lorries to pass each other safely;
- new traffic lights to improve connections from Woudstraat to Hengelhoefstraat and Transportlaan;
- illuminated warning beacons that alert lorry drivers to cyclists passing the Essers entrance;
- an infiltration swale replacing the existing cycle path on the opposite side of Transportlaan.
Greater safety without compromising access
The cycle tunnel removes the greatest risk at this location: cyclists directly crossing the path of motorised traffic. At the same time, the junction continues to accommodate the high volumes of cars and lorries using the area.
That balance is essential here. Transportlaan plays an important economic role, while the F75 offers a growing number of people an alternative for short and medium-distance journeys. The design brings both functions together without forcing cyclists and heavy goods vehicles to compete for the same space.
What will the project deliver?
The wider benefits extend beyond making one junction safer:
- cyclists gain a safer and more comfortable route;
- the F75 becomes more attractive for everyday journeys;
- lorries have more room to pass each other safely;
- warning beacons reduce the risk of collisions at the company entrance;
- new traffic lights support smoother traffic flows;
- the infiltration swale allows rainwater to soak into the ground locally.
Working together
The City of Genk initiated the project. The Province of Limburg and the Flemish Government are supporting its delivery through the Cycling Fund. Infrabel is also contributing to the project and will renew the level crossing on Hengelhoefstraat. Willemen Infra is carrying out the construction work.
More information?
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