Leiden and Voorschoten are collaborating on a safe intersection at Groote Vink

On Wednesday, October 6, Aldermen Ashley North (Leiden), Erika Spil (Voorschoten), and Marcel Cramwinckel (Voorschoten) gathered at the Groote Vink intersection. There, they signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement establishes that both municipalities will collaborate and support one another in redesigning the intersection, thereby significantly improving traffic safety for cyclists. Both municipalities are pleased to be working out the details of these initiatives in a comprehensive manner. Only in this way will residents of Voorschoten and Leiden—as well as all road users—benefit from the outcome.

Councilwoman Ashley North (City of Leiden – Mobility, Sustainability, and Public Space Management): “I’m glad we’re making concrete plans to improve traffic safety for cyclists at the Groote Vink intersection. This is desperately needed. A few improvements have already been implemented in recent years, but to make the location safely sustainable, the intersection needs a complete overhaul. Through our collaboration with Voorschoten, we can combine efforts to ensure the design suits both municipalities and minimize disruption for residents.”

Councilwoman Erika Spil (City of Voorschoten – Traffic & Transportation): “Traffic safety—especially for vulnerable road users—is the most important criterion when designing or redesigning a road. This is also the case in the area around the Groote Vink. By signing this letter of intent, we are demonstrating that, when making our plans, we look beyond our own municipal boundaries. It is also a positive development for future projects to continue seeking out opportunities for collaboration.”

The municipalities of Leiden and Voorschoten have signed a letter of intent to improve traffic safety at the Leidseweg-Haagweg intersection (De Groote Vink). This is being done in conjunction with the development of the Intratuin site in Voorschoten into a residential development. This requires a new access road on Leiden’s territory. In the next phase, an assessment will be conducted to determine how the two projects can reinforce each other and which access option will be further developed. This process is also linked to the communication and public engagement initiative, which will begin in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Improving Traffic Safety

Many accidents occur at the bicycle crossings at this intersection. To address this traffic situation, the redesign of this intersection has been designated as a flagship project in the 2020–2030 Bicycle Policy Program adopted by the Leiden City Council. One of the proposed approaches is to route motorized traffic to and from Voorschoten through the existing underpass. The goal is to improve traffic safety by preventing cyclists and motorists from crossing paths at crosswalks. As part of the redesign, the bike paths in the area will also be improved.

Residential Development at the Intratuin Site

At the same time, the municipality of Voorschoten plans to develop the Intratuin site within its municipality into a residential area, close the existing Leidseweg between Trompweg and the municipal boundary with Leiden to through traffic, and construct this access route through the Intratuin area. The municipality of Voorschoten has requested Leiden’s cooperation regarding a new connection on Leiden’s territory.