It's hard to miss when driving on Walloon roads: worksites keep multiplying and sometimes seem endless. In the Walloon Parliament, group leader Valérie De Bue has put forward five proposals to improve the situation.
"We are not questioning the need for roadworks, but how they are managed. A Wallonia under construction must not be a Wallonia that's blocked.", explains Valérie De Bue. The MR believes Wallonia has suffered a "reactive" maintenance policy, without anticipation or clear direction. Today, the goal is to turn the page and build a more efficient, more predictable and more resilient network, with a genuine culture of change.
Putting an end to ghost worksites
Some worksites sometimes remain at a standstill for several days with no visible activity. The MR proposes trialling continuous works (24/7) on strategic routes, as is done in France or the Netherlands, and better securing administrative processes to avoid unnecessary stoppages.
"We prefer an intense worksite for three weeks to an empty one for six months.", comments Valérie De Bue.
Dynamic speed signs
Dynamic signs would allow the speed limit to be adjusted according to the actual presence of workers and traffic density. When no one is working, the limit is raised.
"That's what's done in neighbouring countries: you ease traffic when possible and protect when necessary.", stresses Valérie De Bue.
Mandatory information at the entrance of every worksite
A sign would indicate the nature of the works, the expected duration, the contracting authority and a QR code linking to an updated platform. A simple, low-cost but essential measure to be accountable to road users and to highlight modernisation efforts.
"Walloons have the right to know why they are stuck and for how long.", insists Valérie De Bue.
Better coordination between SOFICO, SPW and municipalities
Too often, worksites are launched in parallel on alternative routes, blocking all traffic options. The MR is calling for a single schedule of worksites, shared between all stakeholders, to avoid consecutive works or simultaneous closures on parallel or relief routes.
"We need to move from a silo culture to a results culture.", states Valérie De Bue.
An information platform linked to Waze, Google Maps and Coyote
The aim is for drivers to have reliable information even before setting off: worksite locations, traffic conditions, possible incidents and alternative travel times.
"Before setting off, Walloons need to know what awaits them.", concludes Valérie De Bue.
For Valérie De Bue, the message is clear: "We're not here to comment on problems, we're here to deliver results. Putting an end to never-ending worksites also means restoring users' trust in public management."