Report first think-aloud evening

On Tuesday evening, September 7, 2023 was the first thoughtful evening for the reconstruction of the Aaltenseweg and Europastraat in Dinxperlo. At 7 p.m., the large hall at Noaberz was well filled with just under a hundred concerned local residents. Alderman Erik Groters welcomed those present via a short film and expressed his wish to work together to achieve a better living environment. Wim Voogt then gave a presentation in which he introduced the construction team and talked about the task, the approach and the principles for the reconstruction of both roads.

The two main starting points for the reconstruction are the upgrading of the road from 50 km/h to 30 km/h and necessary adjustments to the sewer system, such as the disconnection of rainwater. A short online survey (the Mentimeter) allowed attendees to share their main concerns about the project. Afterwards, there was three-quarters of an hour of opportunity to discuss the project area with one of the members of the construction team. Specific points of interest could be placed on the plan map via post-its. The last half hour of the evening was used to collect together in plenary session the most important questions and points of interest of the evening. By 9 p.m. Wim Voogt thanked all attendees for their input. The evening ended with a warm round of applause.

The main questions and concerns we were given this evening are listed below

Villagewide

  • Does the municipality of Aalten have an overall vision of traffic circulation in the village? Where should/should there be no freight traffic? How do we ensure safe through bicycle routes in the village? Is there a traffic circulation plan for Dinxperlo?
  • With the approach to Allee, Heelweg, Europastraat and Aaltenseweg, most streets will soon be redesigned. When will the remaining streets in the village be redesigned?

Aaltenseweg

  • Residents experience nuisance due to vibrations and noise in the current situation. Can this be taken into account in the design of the new situation? What has the municipality done to date to limit vibration and noise nuisance? Residents see possible solutions in a truck ban between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.; and/or diverting truck traffic via other roads, for example via Germany. Residents are curious what the municipality of Aalten thinks about this.
  • The sidewalks are not walkable now because of overhanging hedges on private land. Will the municipality enforce this?
  • Does 30 km/hour on Aaltensweg mean that all streets from the right have the right of way? Or can Aaltenseweg still maintain the right of way?
  • Can temporary traffic calming measures be put in place in the short term so that traffic can slow down now?

Europa Street

  • What will be the future use of the Schaersvoorde school; and how will this impact the redesign of Europe Street? School zone.
  • Concerns about traffic safety around the school, especially at pick-up/drop-off; plus parking nuisance for adjacent residents.
  • Desire to include Berkendijk in the project and desire to achieve a safe overall concept for the school environment. This desire may have the consequence that the available implementation budget is not sufficient.

At the second public participation evening scheduled for Sept. 28, 2023, the construction team will return to the above concerns.