A major transformation is planned for the busy intersection where Karel de Grotelaan meets the Eindhoven Ring. As part of the HOV4 rapid bus line project, the current roundabout will be replaced by a new underpass. This redesign allows the Ring to pass beneath Karel de Grotelaan with one lane in each direction, a move intended to significantly improve traffic flow.
The centrepiece of this development is the Lichtring (light ring), a large-scale light installation designed to be a striking eye-catcher for the city. Standing on poles above the new sunken intersection, the artwork is intended to serve as a landmark similar to the Lichtnaald and De Zwerm installations elsewhere on the Ring road. The project is part of the infrastructure connecting Eindhoven Central to the ASML campus in Veldhoven.
The Lichtring is expected to be completed alongside the tunnel between 2029 and 2030. Designed by a team led by IPV Delft, the installation aims to connect the different levels of the intersection while giving the Ring a contemporary character.
Beyond the light installation, the municipality is prioritising the creation of an inviting and safe public space. The redesign includes adding new trees and diverse planting to improve the streetscape and support biodiversity. The plan also incorporates climate-adaptive features, such as integrated water storage to manage heavy rainfall.
While the first buses on the HOV4 route are expected to begin running this year, the full structural redevelopment of the intersection will continue over the coming years. The design team, including experts from IPV Delft and Baljon Landscape Architects, will continue to refine the plans for the public space and greenery.
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