In Herentals, the unpaved section between Bosbergen and the connection to Watervoort will be asphalted, ensuring a smooth and year-round usable cycle path. In Lille, two new cycle crossings with traffic islands will be constructed on the Lichtaartsesteenweg, making it safer for cyclists to cross the road in two stages.
In Kasterlee, a new cycle connection will be built south of the Grote Caliebeek. The existing sandy path will be replaced by a concrete two-track path, and a new five-meter-wide bridge for cyclists and pedestrians will be constructed where the current lock bridge stands. North of the Grote Caliebeek, a cycle path with a natural, water-permeable surface will be laid up to the connection with Schorredonken. A fish passage will also be created and the watercourse restored to improve fish passage.
The province emphasizes that these permits allow for significant steps to make the route more comfortable, address bottlenecks, and create safer crossing points, thereby enhancing the cycle connection as an attractive alternative for daily commutes.
Further consultation is required for the section of the route behind the industrial area on Bleukenlaan, between Kraanschot in Kasterlee and Veedijk in Turnhout. Efforts are underway to obtain a permit for this part as soon as possible, aiming for a new passage from Kraanschot towards the railway, with a wide cycle connection behind the businesses. A safe bidirectional cycle crossing at the railway crossing of Veedijk is also planned.
Previous interventions that did not require a permit have already been carried out, including new markings, traffic signs, removed bollards, and the creation of safe passing strips. At De Bleuken, on the border of Turnhout, a bicycle-friendly tractor gate has been installed to prevent through car traffic from using the route.
