Construction projects on hold due to lack of Brussels government

Without a fully-fledged government, many major construction projects in Brussels are on hold indefinitely until tenders can be issued.

An estimated 10 to 15 of these projects already have a permit, Bruzz reports, but a caretaker government is not allowed to issue tenders because this constitutes new policy, which also entails new costs.

“This is only possible in exceptional cases, for example if safety is compromised,” outgoing mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) said.

The renovation of the Loi and Belliard tunnels, initially planned for 2021, is one of the projects currently on hold. The cost of the project to renew the electronics and ventilation system is estimated at €160 million.

The makeover of Avenue Charles-Quint has also been paused. Those plans include turning the long street through Ganshoren and Berchem-Sainte-Agathe into an "urban boulevard" with more greenery and cycle paths. The project was given the green light in September.

Two other projects now on hold are the reconstruction of the Chaussée de Ninove and works on Place Meiser in Schaerbeek, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the region that is often referred to as "Place Misère" because of the endless traffic jams.

Other stalled projects include the redevelopment of Chaussée de Waterloo, Rue Léopold I and Place Arthur Van Gehuchten in Laeken, Square Jacques Francks in Saint-Gilles, Avenue de Stalingrad in Brussels-City, Square Albert I in Anderlecht, and Place de la Reine in Schaerbeek.

There are also projects that have already applied for a permit but have not yet obtained one. Even if all the necessary commitments are made for these, it is still uncertain when work can actually start.

Notably, this concerns the construction of the new tram 15 at Tour & Taxis and the reconstruction of Avenue Broustin in Jette, Avenue de Tervuren in Etterbeek, Boulevard Reyers in Schaerbeek and Boulevard Jamar in Saint-Gilles.

Municipal projects and construction works by public transport operator Stib or federal Brussels fund Beliris, however, can continue.

Projects that were already under way before the current government impasse are also being completed.