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Edegemsesteenweg, Kontich

Planned sewerage works prompted a total revamp of the Edegemsesteenweg, including a park and two school zones. Water that was previously drained invisibly underground is now afforded a very prominent place in the street scene. A number of obstacles had to be overcome to achieve this.

The road, a grey two-way street with no cycling infrastructure, suffered from regular waterlogging in the densely built-up area. A coalition comprising the Antea Group, Aquafin, De Lijn, the Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV) and the utility companies designed and realised a 'rainwater axis', which discharges the rainwater in a controlled and gradual manner into the Edegem brook.
The water is infiltrated as much as possible into various wadis, infiltration basins and a large new playground in the park, with the famous 'soup bowl' forming a landmark in the area.
A buffer basin was installed below the soup bowl in order to slow down the flow of water from the streets higher up. Further down the road, a channel was created to drain the surrounding built-up area and that of the technical institute. The combination of interventions represents a major step forward and sets a new precedent for Flanders.
Bringing the water above ground was not without its challenges; the team had to work hard to allay local residents’ concerns about odour nuisance, litter and vermin. This was easier when the benefits of the redevelopment became visible: a higher quality living environment that provides space for residents to meet up and relax.

theme
mobility, biodiversity, water
innovative aspects
cultural change
scale
street


slideshow
Edegemsesteenweg rainwater axis in the spotlight
The above-ground and underground layout of the street are complementary. Various interventions to allow the water to infiltrate and slow it down were combined using a new mobility logic and green spaces for play and encounters at ground level.

Conference 11 May
videoConference 11 May 'Resilient Spaces': Edegemsesteenweg rainwater axis
The infiltration of rainwater in the public domain is possible, as shown by the Rainwater axis in Edegemsesteenweg. Various interventions not only ensure water infiltration and buffering, but also the anchoring of rainwater in the public space.


Conference 11 May 'Resilient Spaces': Edegemsesteenweg rainwater axis

The infiltration of rainwater in the public domain is possible, as shown by the Rainwater axis in Edegemsesteenweg. Various interventions not only ensure water infiltration and buffering, but also the anchoring of rainwater in the public space.



photo: Infopunt Publieke Ruimte / Antea Group, Kontich 2021

Edegemsesteenweg in Kontich
articleEdegemsesteenweg in Kontich
The approach subject to certain preconditions, measures, implementation aspects and management around Edegemsesteenweg make it clear why the project is a pioneer in the field of water management in public spaces.


Edegemsesteenweg in Kontich


photo: Aquafin / Vlario, Kontich