Genk – Renovation work at Genk railway station is nearing completion, featuring a blue pedestrian zone, enhanced crossings, improved bus flow, and reduced parking, spearheaded by Alderman Karel Kriekemans, reports 24brussels.
As reported by VRT News, the renovation has introduced a prominent blue pedestrian zone across the station square. Alderman for Mobility Karel Kriekemans (CD&V) emphasized that this vibrant pathway aims to promote walking while enhancing safety for pedestrians.
“We want people to follow this blue path because it is much safer than the previous layout,” he stated.
Kriekemans noted that these improvements represent a short-term solution to boost safety and accessibility. The municipality is collaborating with NMBS (Belgian Railways) and De Lijn to develop a multimodal mobility plan for the station area. This long-term strategy will suggest traffic flow alterations, pedestrian access enhancements, and public transport integration to create a safer and more organized environment for residents, visitors, and tourists.
What upgrades are making Genk station safer and more accessible?
The project, which commenced on 17 July 2025, aims to improve the station environment for both passengers and pedestrians. Karel Kriekemans confirmed that the renovations are set to conclude this week.
Changes include improved pathways and more secure pedestrian crossings, alongside upgraded signage to guide visitors. Kriekemans stated that these renovations form part of a broader long-term strategy to bolster mobility and security in the city.
In a related incident, a tragic accident occurred on the morning of October 24, 2024, near the Europalaan close to the station. A 15-year-old girl was struck by a De Lijn bus while attempting to cross the road. Despite rapid emergency response, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The police cordoned off the area, while traffic experts from the Limburg prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. In light of this, the city of Genk, alongside De Lijn, NMBS, and the local police zone CARMA, has initiated a safety improvement plan.
