Inaugurated on September 15, Busway 2 now connects Liège-Guillemins station with Sart-Tilman. The strengthening of this major public transport corridor stems from Liège’s Urban Mobility Plan.
Bureau greisch was involved from the very start of the project, through a study contract for the design of infrastructures promoting public transport. Over time, the project grew in scope: from simple road markings with lane widening, it evolved into a comprehensive redevelopment scheme.
As project designer, the bureau proposed different variants as new constraints emerged. The final solution successfully integrates the different modes using the corridor: pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, and cars.
In addition to the implementation of the Busway, a cycle highway was created. To deserve this designation, the cycling route had to meet several criteria: a structuring role in the network, high-quality design (dimension, comfort, safety, prioritization, etc.), strong connectivity, high usage potential, and accessibility for a wide range of users.
Particular attention was also given to safety: intersections and pedestrian/cyclist crossings along the entire B2 line were redesigned and secured with traffic lights.
Applying new roadway concepts in Liège
Bureau greisch proposed innovative layouts based on the bus priority system at traffic lights developed by TEC. Virtual waiting areas for buses were thus introduced on certain sections where a dedicated bus lane was impossible due to lack of space.
The principle of these virtual waiting areas is simple: when a bus approaches a narrow section, the dedicated traffic light automatically turns green while the light for private vehicles turns red. The single lane after the light is then cleared, allowing the bus to pass without hindrance.
At Sart-Tilman, the old bus stops were transformed into “Busway stations,” better equipped and compliant with accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility. Downstream traffic lights were also adapted to take priority into account, to secure pedestrian crossings, and to improve flow, particularly at the Gramme junction.
This redevelopment illustrates bureau greisch’s ability to anticipate mobility needs and to propose sustainable solutions while complying with the most recent safety requirements.
Integrated stormwater management
On the slope of the Route du Condroz, the initial runoff drainage system for wooded embankments relied on longitudinal ditches. The widening of the road, combined with the creation of a safe cycle path, required their removal and replacement with an integrated water management system: stepped draining beds.
These beds are designed to collect all runoff from the embankments. Steps were added to compensate for the unfavorable 6% longitudinal slope. They create successive retention volumes or “basins,” slowing down the flow and allowing temporary storage of rainwater. This gives water more time to infiltrate into the soil beneath the beds. An overflow system was also provided and connected to the existing road drainage network.
Runoff water from the cycle paths is mostly directed to the planted strips installed on either side of the road.
Diagram stepped draining beds
On the surface, the system remains almost invisible. Only a layer of draining material (calibrated gravel) is visible along the cycle path.
- Client: Opérateur de Transport de Wallonie
- Architect: Canevas
- Engineering offices: Bureau greisch – Transitec
- Contractor: SM NELLES / TRBA
- Special techniques: Bureau greisch
