The F4 cycle superhighway is 48 kilometres long and runs alongside the railway line between Ghent and Antwerp, passing through the towns of Lochristi, Lokeren and Sint-Niklaas.
‘It is one of the most important cycle routes in the province,’ explains Kurt Moens of the East Flanders provincial executive. ‘It is a cycle superhighway between the two provincial capitals.’
‘Many sections of this cycle superhighway have already been completed. The easiest sections are finished. We are now working on matters related to road safety, such as cycle bridges and cycle tunnels. We hope that everything will be finished by 2030.’
Cycle tunnel under the N70 road
Work began this week on a new cycle tunnel under the N70 regional road in Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht. It will be located near the Gentseweg. A separate cycle path in both directions is being created making it safer for cyclists using the F4.
The new cycle tunnel should be ready by the end of this year. From then on, cyclists will be able to cross the N70 without having to negotiate dangerous intersections.
‘Together with the provincial authorities, we want to ensure smooth and safe cycle connections throughout our province,’ Moens emphasises. ‘For the more than 1,000 cyclists who use the F4 every day, this project represents another significant increase in safety and comfort.’
Two more cycle tunnels planned
A cycle tunnel under the railway line and another one near Hof ter Saksen in Beveren-Kruibeke-Zwijndrecht are also being built.
‘Thanks to these 4-metre-wide cycle paths, cycle traffic on the F4 will see a significant improvement in quality,’ explains local alderman Jeroen Verhulst.
‘In phase 1, we will create a safe crossing under the N70 and separate cycle paths along Hotel Beveren, which will resolve the current conflict situation there. In phase 2, we will connect cycle traffic from Haasdonk and the south of Beveren to the F4. This will provide a solution for the winding cycle route that currently runs through the Bosbeek neighbourhood.’
