Established in 1987, the Road Federation Belgium (RFB) is a non-profit, apolitical organization dedicated to promoting road infrastructure and transportation. As a member of the European Union Road Federation (ERF) based in Brussels, the RFB collaborates closely with the International Road Federation (IRF) in Geneva.

The RFB is committed to advocating for and advancing initiatives that support road infrastructure, its users, and effective traffic management. The organization actively engages in societal discussions surrounding mobility and the safe transportation of people and goods. It champions the integrated development of all transportation modes to enhance their synergies and overall efficiency.

Several global megatrends and critical issues are reshaping the future of mobility:

• Technological Advancements: Innovations in technology are driving higher levels of vehicle automation, currently aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing accidents. The market is gradually seeing the introduction of more autonomous driving and connected (C-ITS) technologies. Secondly, artificial intelligence becomes broadly available, with the ability to complete and compete with human tasks.
• Climate Change Imperatives: Regulatory shifts towards electrification are being driven by climate change concerns, notably accelerated by initiatives such as the EU’s Green Deal, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Sustainable Road Construction: The EU Green Deal includes regulations promoting Green Public Procurement in road construction, with ongoing revisions emphasizing the use of environmentally sustainable materials. However, balancing EU-wide objectives with national interests poses challenges.
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: The need for climate-resilient road infrastructure highlights the importance of innovative design and material solutions reaching the market.
• Transportation Modalities: Despite efforts to promote alternative modes of transport, such as rail and waterways, roads remain the primary means of transportation for both passengers and freight, underscoring the need for comprehensive transport planning.
• Urban Mobility Focus: Urban mobility is increasingly emphasized, with a growing focus on active transportation and public transit use. Implementing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) addresses diverse stakeholder needs, including safety and environmental concerns.

Belgium’s strategic geographical position, hosting major ports like Antwerp and being in close proximity to Rotterdam, underscores its significance as a key logistics hub within Europe. However, urban congestion remains a challenge, particularly in Flanders and Brussels, despite the rise of telecommuting.

Within its mandate, the RFB engages in a variety of activities:

• Fostering collaboration among stakeholders involved in road infrastructure and transportation.
• Renewed focus on work zone safety.
• Advocating for sustainable mobility investments by public authorities, with an emphasis on safety and environmental protection.
• Participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives with like-minded organizations.
• Organizing events, including the biennial “Your Roads Tomorrow” congress, which addresses current and future mobility challenges.
• Undertaking initiatives to promote efficient road infrastructure and achieve its objectives.

PRIORITY ROAD WORKS IN BELGIUM
Since 1985, Belgium has seen a decline in public investment in infrastructure due to budgetary constraints, exacerbating congestion and safety concerns. While the average public investment in other European nations is around 2.4% of GDP, Belgium had allocated only about 1.4%. The RFB welcomes increased spending efforts, but advocates for prioritizing critical road works to enhance network efficiency and address maintenance issues.

These priorities include:

• Completing missing links to improve overall network connectivity.
• Constructing or completing urban bypasses to alleviate transit congestion and preserve both urban and suburban quality of life.
• Enhancing road safety through the elimination of accident-prone areas and the development of secure junctions.
• Building appropriately sized roundabouts and urban tunnels.

Through its initiatives, the RFB aims to expedite the completion of priority works by public authorities, thereby mitigating mobility challenges and benefiting the economy, safety, and the environment.