The Catershoflaan in Merksem is undergoing a complete renewal. Commissioned by water-link in collaboration with Aquafin and the Merksem District, a separate sewerage system, new bicycle and footpaths, permeable parking lanes, a narrowed roadway, traffic calming measures, trees, plant beds, bicycle parking, and new lighting are being implemented. However, the highlight will be the broad, green central reservation with infiltration basin. The City of Antwerp designed the superstructure, while the engineering firm Witteveen+Bos focused on the water management and technical aspects of the entire project.

Ben Catry, project leader at Witteveen+Bos: "Integrating blue-green solutions into sewerage and road projects is increasingly desired from an ecological standpoint, but actual implementation remains a courageous choice. Extensive community participation can be a significant lever to align everyone's interests."

"It was during the participatory process involving residents in the design phase that the idea of the central reservation emerged. At first glance, the new situation does not differ significantly from the current one. However, widening the central reservation and the foot and bicycle paths creates a completely new experience and dynamism."

Rainwater flows through openings in the curbs to the central reservation, where it infiltrates through an infiltration basin. The cobblestones of the parking lanes also facilitate infiltration. If the water level rises during heavy rainfall, it overflows into the stormwater drainage pipe located under the street, along with the wastewater pipes.

"Maximizing infiltration of rainwater and integrating greenery are the new focal points."

The sewer pipes under the roadway were dimensioned larger to locally accommodate increasingly heavy downpours. By providing "chokes" at the end, the water is discharged slowly, relieving the system downstream.

Ben Catry: "The central reservation will become an 8-meter-wide and 50-centimeter-deep green zone with infiltration basin surrounded by various types of vegetation. Two types of trees are planned: 'carriers', long-lived trees that will eventually grow large, planted in a staggered pattern. And 'supporters', smaller trees with a shorter lifespan, planted randomly. This mix ensures a beautiful green landscape from the start. In the long term, only the carriers will remain, forming an attractive avenue structure.

Additionally, two squares will be provided with benches, customized lighting, stepping stones, shrubs, some tree trunks, and flowery planting at intersections. All of this will turn the entire central reservation into a pleasant additional green space for the neighborhood."