Traffic disruption in Ninove is set to challenge commuters and residents during the weekend of 31 May and 1 June, with key road closures expected to cause a major traffic jam. Henri Evenepoel from Positief Ninove raised concerns during the municipal council meeting on 26 May about a potential traffic infarct due to simultaneous infrastructure works. The railway bridge on Elisabethlaan, between Centrumlaan and the Den Dollar roundabout, will be completely closed for preparatory work, a situation repeated on 14 and 15 June.
- Henri Evenepoel warns of traffic congestion
- Elisabethlaan bridge closes for preparatory works
- Preulegem railway crossing also closed simultaneously
- Evenepoel proposes additional city access routes
- Mobility alderman cites strict Infrabel protocol
- Alderman to discuss traffic suggestions internally
Compounding the issue, the railway crossing at Preulegem will also be closed the same weekend, raising questions about the timing of these works. These closures could severely affect traffic flow in and around Ninove, prompting calls for additional measures to ease congestion. The discussion on 2025-05-28 13:46:00 highlighted the urgency of finding solutions to prevent gridlock and maintain access for emergency services.
What options are available to alleviate the pressure on Ninove’s road network during this challenging period? Could temporary traffic adjustments offer relief?
Why must both critical works happen simultaneously? Mobility alderman Dany Goessens explains that deactivating the railway overhead line follows strict Infrabel protocols, limiting scheduling flexibility. Henri Evenepoel suggested practical alternatives to improve traffic flow, including:
- Opening two additional city entrances via Kloosterweg and Fernand Tavernestraat (with parking restrictions)
- Temporarily allowing two-way traffic on Pollarestraat
- Ensuring emergency vehicles can pass despite the closed Rietstraat crossing
These proposals aim to prevent a full traffic standstill and maintain essential access during the closures.
As Ninove prepares for these disruptions, residents and commuters should stay informed and plan alternative routes. Will the proposed measures be enough to keep traffic moving smoothly? Authorities are urged to finalize and communicate solutions promptly to minimize inconvenience.
