'Quick-win' roadworks aim to improve traffic flow around Brussels

Flemish mobility minister Ben Weyts has announced eight new sets of roadworks to be carried out this summer on the Brussels Ring, aimed at improving traffic flows. Major works are planned for 2019.

The works are small-scale measures that can be carried out relatively quickly but will still make a considerable difference, he said. The main focus will be on junctions between Groot-Bijgaarden and Tervuren in Flemish Brabant, where the Ring meets major roads and motorways, often creating bottlenecks.

“What happens now is that drivers often change lanes at the last minute, because for example they have to get ready to move to the motorway,” Weyts said. “These weaving movements from left to right hold up traffic and can cause accidents. By changing road markings we can force drivers to make the choice sooner.”

In addition to what Weyts called the eight “quick wins” listed below, larger works will take place over five kilometres in both directions between Tervuren and Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, where a new layer of asphalt will be placed. Delays are expected as the road surface is reduced from three to two lanes.

The eight locations for the works are:

• Groot-Bijgaarden, junction of E40 and Ring
• Groot-Bijgaarden, junction of Ring and E40 direction coast
• Strombeek-Bever, junction of Ring and A12 from Willebroek
• Strombeek-Bever, junction of Ring and A12 direction Antwerp
• Machelen, junction of Ring with E19 direction Antwerp
• Zaventem, junction of E40 from Leuven with Ring
• Kraainem, junction of E40 from Brussels with Ring
• Tervuren, Leonard junction of E411 from Namur with Ring

Photo: Fik/Wikimedia Commons