The final missing link of the F426 cycle highway between Melsele, Kallo, and Waaslandhaven has been officially opened, ensuring a safe and smooth connection.
By Els Verhaeghe
••4 min read
AI
A wide, empty bicycle path with red-brown asphalt through a green Flemish landscape with trees and a bridge over a highway.
The F426 cycle highway is now fully completed after the opening of its final section between the N70 and the E34 cycle bridge, providing a safe and efficient connection.
On Wednesday, September 30, the last missing section of the F426 cycle highway was officially opened. This marks the complete realization of this vital cycling infrastructure connecting Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht and the wider Waasland and Antwerp regions.
The new segment, approximately 1.5 kilometers long, runs from the N70 Grote Baan to the cycle bridge over the E34 at Trepelandstraat. Cyclists now benefit from a traffic-free, comfortable, and smooth connection between the P+R in Melsele, Waaslandhaven, Kallo-centrum, and surrounding residential areas. This completion aligns with the recently finished cycle bridge over the E34 by the Department of Mobility and Public Works of the Flemish Government.
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"With the completion of the F426, we are strengthening the network of cycle highways in the Waasland region. We are not only investing in safe and comfortable cycling connections but also in sustainable mobility and better accessibility to important employment hubs like the Waaslandhaven."
The F426 connects the F4 near Melsele station with the F41 south of the E34. Following the renovation of the existing F426 between Kattendreef and the N70, the entire cycle highway is now ready for use.
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"I am very proud of the joint realization of this cycle highway. These works provide a significant quality improvement for cycling traffic, both short and long distance, recreational and functional, with four-meter-wide cycle paths in a recognizable reddish-brown asphalt. By focusing on increased cycling quality, we also contribute to stimulating the modal shift."
The project's realization was made possible through the collaboration between Infrabel, Province of Oost-Vlaanderen, and the local administration of Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht.
The construction of the new section was financed by the Province of Oost-Vlaanderen and the Flemish Government (via the Copenhagen Fund), amounting to over 1,130,734 euros (excl. VAT). The renovation of the existing stretch cost the local administration over 90,000 euros (excl. VAT).
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"Our ambition is to have 30% of all journeys made by bicycle by 2040. To achieve this, we are investing heavily in cycling infrastructure: ideally 300 million euros annually. The full completion of the F426 is a prime example of how we approach this in Flanders. We are closing a missing link and providing cyclists with a smooth connection between residential areas, train stations, ports, and workplaces. This makes cycling an increasingly attractive and viable mode of transport every day."
The complete F426 significantly strengthens the cycling network in the Waasland region and seamlessly connects to the F4 (Antwerp-Ghent) and the F41 (towards Sint-Niklaas and Stekene, and Zwijndrecht-Antwerp). This provides cyclists with a cohesive network for longer, traffic-free, and comfortable journeys.
The cycle bridge over the E34 in Melsele, installed in 2024 and already in use, is a crucial link. The finishing of the connecting infrastructure, signage, and lighting was completed in the spring of 2026. The bridge ensures a safe crossing over the highway and enhances daily cycling connections.
During construction, a limited number of trees were removed between the Hennenneststraat and the N70, in line with safety regulations along the railway infrastructure. This impact is being compensated with new plantings and the creation of a hedge in the Varenstraat.
The surrounding area has also been designed with an emphasis on experience. A felled tree has been repurposed into a bench and natural play element. An observation hill with benches at its base and top, constructed on the north side of the Varenstraat, offers cyclists and walkers a place to rest and enjoy the environment.
