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N9 road verge, Eeklo

The N9 is an arterial route running right through Eeklo and is the first thing visitors see when travelling to the city. The bare appearance of the road verge and the redevelopment of the mobility plan prompted the city council to take over ownership and management of the road verge from the Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV).

In the 2015 plan for aesthetic quality the current hard character of the N9 is presented as a boulevard with far fewer cars, where the through-traffic function has been redirected to a ring road. Tackling the road verge is a first step in this development, which is accompanied by a planned general review of mobility in and around the city. However, the city council did not want to wait for the ring road to make the N9 passage safer and more agreeable. In addition to the new planting on the road verge, this was preceded by the installation of a ‘winged’ zebra crossing and new road markings.
The transformation of the road verge into a green gallery was not achieved without a struggle; due to the drought, the planned planting of 100,000 perennials, bulbs and trees had to be postponed and a temporary flower mixture was sown instead. This initially led to criticism from residents regarding the untidy appearance of the ecological verge. Nevertheless, the new road verge is important in relation to air purification and provides added value in terms of biodiversity.

theme
biodiversity, mobility
innovative aspects
cultural change
scale
street


slideshow
The impact of a central road verge
In anticipation of a total revision of Eeklo's mobility plan, a start was made on tackling the dreary central road verge on the N9, with the city council taking over management from the Roads and Traffic Agency.

Nature running wild or tangle of weeds? Opinions about the new central road verge of the N9 in Eeklo are divided
articleNature running wild or tangle of weeds? Opinions about the new central road verge of the N9 in Eeklo are divided
The creation of the road verge was not without criticism. The central road verge was first lowered and was to be planted with trees and bushes. This did not go entirely as planned. According to some residents, management of the central road verge is not monitored closely enough.


Nature running wild or tangle of weeds? Opinions about the new central road verge of the N9 in Eeklo are divided


photo: Joeri Seymortier / HLN, 2020

Central road verge of the N9 finally takes shape: '100,000 perennials and flower bulbs planted'.
articleCentral road verge of the N9 finally takes shape: '100,000 perennials and flower bulbs planted'.
Finally, in the autumn of 2020, the poorly managed central road verge was transformed into a well-maintained piece of greenery in the city, richly planted with plenty of blooms.


Central road verge of the N9 finally takes shape: '100,000 perennials and flower bulbs planted'.


photo: Joeri Seymortier / HLN, 2020

Central road verge in Eeklo
videoCentral road verge in Eeklo
Work on the central road verge will be carried out with a 'mobile work unit' that moves along the N9, in accordance with the phased reconstruction work.


Central road verge in Eeklo

Work on the central road verge will be carried out with a 'mobile work unit' that moves along the N9, in accordance with the phased reconstruction work.



photo: AVS Oost-Vlaamse Televisie, 2020

City of Eeklo plan for aesthetic quality
articleCity of Eeklo plan for aesthetic quality
The objectives of Eeklo city council in terms of aesthetic quality are the sustainable use of energy, materials, water and greenery; the creation of accessible quality of life for all inhabitants; the importance of spatial quality and heritage value.


City of Eeklo plan for aesthetic quality


photo: Stad Eeklo, 2015