Linnaeusstraat crossing reopens two months ahead of schedule

The junction of Linnaeusstraat and Wijttenbachstraat has reopened after five months of roadworks, two months earlier than originally planned.

During the work, Linnaeusstraat and much of the surrounding area were almost entirely closed off, which caused a lot of frustration in the neighbourhood.

Since last week, trams, buses, cars, cyclists and pedestrians have all been able to use the crossing again.

Some work on the site still has to be finished.

Open to all traffic, not just trams

Community liaison manager Mireille Capiau called the reopening an enormous milestone. “Especially because it is now open to all traffic,” she said. “The plan at first was to open it only for the tram, but we are now two months early.”

Residents and shop staff welcome the new layout

One local resident, just back from holiday, said she was pleased by the unexpected turn and no longer had to struggle to get around.

She described the new crossing as clearer, more spacious and calmer.

A woman who works at a shop on the junction was also positive. “Much better, now that you no longer sit like a little monkey behind bars,” she said.

Head site supervisor Danny said that finishing early felt good.

To celebrate, the project team held a barbecue for the workers and everyone else involved. “It was a lot of fun,” he said.

Now that trams and buses are rolling across the Linnaeusstraat junction again, it is a good moment to brush up on getting around the city by tram and bus.

Source: AT5