Projects: Introduction

Masterplan 2020 (decision of the Flemish Government of 30 March 2010) is an ambitious multimodal approach to solve key issues of mobility, livability and road safety in and around Antwerp. Masterplan 2020 strengthens the initial objectives of the Masterplan Mobility Antwerp, as decided by the Flemish Government's decision of December 2000. It tackles the mobility problem with road projects, public transport projects and waterway projects. Next to the 16 projects of the initial Masterplan, described in detail on the following pages, the Government added the following projects to Masterplan 2020:

- road infrastructure around Antwerp (A102, Tunnel Liefkenshoek, Waasland)
- solving bottlenecks on the ring road (E34/E313, E19 N, A12 S)
- more infrastructure for better public transport (Wilrijk, Ranst, Beveren, Oostmalle)
- an extra 55km. of cycling paths
- modernising an extra 16 bridges over the Albert canal
- redesigning the exit Antwerp Centre on the ring road with an optimal link to the new football stadium.

With its decision of 22 September 2010 the Flemish Government opted to close the ring around Antwerp with cut & cover tunnels. It was also decided to create an extra link between the E19 South and the E313/E34, a link that will also be made with cut & cover tunnels under the existing R11. It perfectly links up with the A102, creating a by-pass around the east of Antwerp. Thanks to this new infrastructure it will no longer be necessary to widen the existing R1 ringroad in the South.  

Objectives
The Masterplan is aimed at three important objectives:

1. To improve mobilty of city and port
   
2. To improve quality of life
   
3. To improve traffic safety

- A fully closed Ring with a new tunnel under the Scheldt (Oosterweel link)

- Reconstruction of city boulevards
- Extension of tram lines

- Renovation of the Albert canal
- Renovation/modernisation of locks