Sint-Niklaas Begins Construction on N41 Bike Path
Work on the N41 bike path in Belsele, Sint-Niklaas, will commence on August 18, 2025, as the local Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV) initiates long-awaited enhancements to ensure a safer route for cyclists, reports VRT News. This project comes after a decade of petitions from residents advocating for improvements, notably initiated by local councillor Hasan Bilici in 2013.
The planned reconstruction will expand the bike path from Arnhoutstraat to Kleiweg, increasing its width to 3 meters and allowing bi-directional cycling. According to officials, this path is crucial for daily commuters, including students and workers, and aims to enhance safety and visibility for cyclists.
Details on Changes and Traffic Adjustments
The construction work on the N41 is scheduled to last until August 29, 2025. During this period, adjustments will be made to local traffic; vehicles will be prohibited from traveling southbound on the N41 toward the N70. A detour is put in place, redirecting traffic through R42, Europark Noord, N70, Tereken, and Driegaaien, ensuring safety during the construction.
Cyclists must also navigate a different route while the work is being executed, using Tuinlaan, Bookmolenstraat, and the N70. Concerns about insufficient lighting along the path have been acknowledged, and plans to install new public lighting are set for later this year.
“New public lighting will be installed during the autumn holidays, so that the route remains safe even in darkness or rain,” officials stated.
In 2013, Bilici’s petition highlighted the dangers of the narrow path, which is frequently used by students from Broederschool voor Biotechnische en Sportopleidingen. Local authorities have recognized these safety concerns, prompting them to take action despite the N41 being a regional road managed by the Flemish government. In late 2023, the city of Sint-Niklaas revealed its plans for the improvements and filed for the necessary environmental permits, significantly accelerating the process to commence these essential upgrades.
The enhancements to the N41 bike path are set to provide a safer commuting option and bring relief to the local cycling community, who have long advocated for these critical changes., reports 24brussels.
