Reconstruction of Klinkaardstraat in Kapellen starts: “Completely closed in both directions during the spring break”

Separate sewer system

The roadway within the built-up area will also be renovated. In addition, there will be a separate sewerage system underground. “We will soon connect approximately 430 additional residents of Kapellen to the sewerage network. Not only will the neighborhood become safer, we will also ensure better protection of the environment at the same time,” says Helsen.

Thanks to the separated sewer system, waste water is now discharged directly to the Antwerp North sewage treatment plant. Rainwater is then buffered and infiltrated as much as possible on site. “We are also providing a rainwater buffer basin, which should help prevent flooding in the Klinkaardstraat in the future,” says project manager Jeroen Struyf of Aquafin.

Preparatory work will start during the spring break. During that week, Klinkaardstraat will be completely closed in both directions. Struyf explains why: “To guarantee the safety of passers-by and to ensure the progress of the initial work, we must temporarily close the Klinkaardstraat completely. Only local local traffic is allowed. Through traffic follows a diversion via the Kalmthoutsesteenweg.”

One-way traffic from February 23

After the holidays the traffic situation will change again. From Monday 23 February, Klinkaardstraat will become one-way. Traffic from Kalmthout towards Stabroek can continue to use the regional road. In the opposite direction, traffic must follow an alternative route.

In March, the entire construction site area will be prepared for construction on land that was previously purchased by the Roads and Traffic Agency. From April 13, the utility companies will start renewing and relocating all utility lines. That is a drastic phase that will last about a year.

“If everything goes according to plan, the sewerage and road works will start no later than February 2027. These are expected to last two years, meaning that the complete reconstruction should be completed in 2029,” Struyf concludes.

After these works, the regional road on the territory of the municipality of Kalmthout will also be tackled.