Antwerp – Heavy traffic congestion grips Antwerp’s city centre as ongoing roadworks on the Ring Road disrupt major access routes. Police spokesperson Wouter Bruyns advises drivers to consider northern routes, park outside the city, and utilize public transport, reports 24brussels.
According to VRT News, drivers are facing substantial delays, often enduring hours of congestion on core streets and intersections. The current traffic issues stem from significant roadworks on the Ring Road and several key approaches to the city.
An influx of vehicles seeking alternative routes has led to additional traffic flow on smaller streets, exacerbating the problem. Authorities indicate that these delays may persist until the construction work is completed.
Causes of the Traffic Chaos in Antwerp
Wouter Bruyns notes that “cut-through traffic” contributes markedly to the congestion. Police and traffic teams are closely monitoring the conditions. Temporary detours and signs have been installed to assist drivers.
Officials urge the public to rely on public transport, adhere to traffic directives, and strategically plan their routes. They emphasize that staying informed can mitigate the challenges posed by the heavy traffic in Antwerp’s city centre.
Drivers are being directed through City Park and the Antwerp South area, with Wouter Bruyns of the Antwerp police recommending entry from the north as the most efficient route.
“Traffic is much lighter on the northern routes, so drivers can avoid most delays,”
he explained.
Bruyns further suggested that parking on the city outskirts and using public transport can significantly ease the experience of reaching the centre.
“If you leave your car on the outskirts, you won’t face the heavy city traffic at all,”
Bruyns added.
Antwerp has previously dealt with similar traffic turmoil due to extensive roadworks and infrastructure challenges. Notably, significant overnight repairs to the Ring Road (R1) and Outer Ring Road (R2) in June 2025 created major diversions across the city, complicating traffic from Friday evening until early Monday morning. Earlier incidents, such as a subsidence near the Sportpaleis on the Ring Road towards the Netherlands in March 2024, resulted in closed lanes and lengthy queues, further intensifying congestion in Antwerp.
