Noord-Zuid Limburg

The Challenge

The Noord-Zuid junction (N74/N715), a key connection between Hasselt and Eindhoven, cuts directly through the heart of Houthalen-Helchteren, creating significant challenges for road safety, traffic efficiency, and overall liveability. The area suffers from congestion, fragmented public spaces, and limited mobility options. The Complex Project Noord-Zuid Limburg was launched to address these issues through a comprehensive and sustainable mobility strategy. Its ambition is to enhance regional connectivity while fostering vibrant village centers, improving public transport and bicycle infrastructure, and preserving the quality of open spaces.

The Solution

Tractebel contributed to a transformative redesign of the junction by reorganizing traffic flows and constructing two tunnels beneath Houthalen-Helchteren. This bold intervention removes the physical barrier of the Grote Baan, reclaiming surface space for public parks, residential developments, and future-oriented housing. The project integrates dedicated tram-bus lanes and a modernized bicycle network, resolving traffic conflicts and promoting smooth, multimodal mobility. Ecological enhancements—including a large ecoduct and multiple eco-passages—strengthen biodiversity and landscape connectivity. A guiding landscape framework shapes the new Grote Baan, elevating visual quality and sustainability across the region.

The Impact

The Noord-Zuid Limburg project marks a significant leap forward in regional mobility and liveability. By eliminating traffic bottlenecks and reclaiming urban space, the project enhances road safety and transforms village centers into green, accessible, and attractive environments. Residents benefit from improved quality of life, while ecological measures actively protect and enrich the surrounding natural landscape. This integrated approach sets a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure, demonstrating how mobility, nature, and urban development can harmoniously coexist.