Cycle and pedestrian tunnel at Dendermonde station proposed
New tunnel aims to better connect Dendermonde station with Kalendijk area and strengthen cycle highway network.
By Els Verhaeghe
••3 min read
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Generic image of a modern bicycle and pedestrian tunnel under a viaduct, with greenery and a station in the background.
The Province of East Flanders and the city of Dendermonde have unveiled plans for a new cycle and pedestrian tunnel connecting the station to the Kalendijk area, a significant step for sustainable mobility.
On Monday, October 12th, plans for a cycle and pedestrian tunnel between Dendermonde Station and the Kalendijk area were presented by the Province of East Flanders and the city of Dendermonde. This project is a crucial link in the cycle highway network of the Scheldt-Dender region and enhances the station's role as a mobility hub.
The new tunnel will improve connections between residential areas, businesses, healthcare institutions, and public transport, aiming to boost sustainable commuting. During an information market in the station hall, local residents and commuters had the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for the project's further development. Participation is a key step in the design process, with relevant ideas to be incorporated where possible.
This project is the result of an extensive preparatory phase involving close collaboration between the Province of East Flanders, the city of Dendermonde, Infrabel, NMBS, the Agency for Roads and Traffic, the Flemish Environment Agency, the Agency for Nature and Forest, utility companies, and other involved authorities.
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"The strong interest in this information market shows how much this project resonates. This tunnel is not just a local connection but a crucial link in a network of five cycle highways connecting Dendermonde to Ghent, Mechelen, Aalst, Asse, Lokeren, and Boom. By closing this missing link, we strengthen the entire regional cycling network and make sustainable travel more attractive. The support from ERDF and FIO further confirms the strategic importance of this investment for the region."
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"With this new cycling connection, we take a significant step forward for a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians to and from the station. We are particularly pleased that so many partners are helping to support this investment for Dendermonde. In this way, we continue to work towards a sustainable, enterprising, and welcoming city."
The tunnel will be built under the northern access ramp of the viaduct on Sint-Gillislaan, creating a direct link between the station, the Kalendijk, and the surrounding green area. This will provide a safe route to destinations including AZ Sint-Blasius, Huis van het Kind, and the buildings of the Federal Police.
The project holds regional significance due to the convergence of five cycle highways at Dendermonde station: F44 Ghent - Mechelen, F43 Aalst - Sint-Niklaas, F19 Dendermonde - Boom, F221 Dendermonde - Asse, and F413 Lokeren - Dendermonde. Eliminating this missing link strengthens the coherence of the cycle highway network and enhances the station as a gateway for safe travel.
Following the processing of public input, the final design plan will be developed into an application for an environmental permit, which is expected to be obtained in 2027, with construction commencing in 2028.
The project will receive €500,000 in support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and €500,000 from the Flemish Fund for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (FIO). Together with investments from the Province of East Flanders and the city of Dendermonde, this enables a total investment of 1.95 million euros.
