The Department of Mobility and Public Works of the Flemish government has carried out an evaluation of the existing road categorization with various partners. There was a need for a new theoretical model which has led to this preparatory study carried out by the Research Group for Urban Development in collaboration with MINT nv and Patrick Maes. The project provides an analysis of the functioning of today’s roadway categorization in Flanders; creates desirable concepts for a more robust road network; and tests these concepts in GIS in relation to the existing situation. In addition, through a brief analysis of 10 cases, the study gives insight into the possible impact of the existing categorization and road design on spatial developments alongside road segments.
The new network concept should contribute to improved traffic flow, efficient flow of various transport modes, safe use of the network and qualitative integration in the spatial environment. Therefore the study proposes a multimodal and hierarchic road network that should be used according to different regimes taking into regard its spatial context. Recommendations for road design are formulated in relation to the different transport modes. Desirable connections on a map are subjected to different criteria in order to be selected as a Flemish or regional road category. Thereafter the selected roads are evaluated through criteria from a spatial/environmental point of view resulting in a synthesis map. This map offers a framework – together with the applied methodology – for a new categorization of the Flemish and regional roads.
Researcher(s): Dirk Lauwers, Jolien Kramer, Nina De Jonghe
Commissioned by: Flemish government (Department of Mobility and Public Works)
Partner(s): MINT nv, Patrick Maes
Period: February 2018 to February 2019
Map with a stage in the selection proces: desirable road connections based on the urban structure and hierarchy
The new network concept persented as a 'cascade of robustness'
Example scenarios of routes within the new network concept according to different regimes