Last weekend, traffic on the Antwerp ring road was diverted via the new bypass, a temporary highway alongside the current ring road that will replace it during the Oosterweel connection works. According to client Lantis, the transition was successful, but significant disruption is expected.
The so-called ‘bypass’ between the Afas Dome (formerly called ‘Sportpaleis’) in Deurne and the Antwerp-Noord junction (with the A12 and E19) near Ekeren is necessary to enable the construction of the new Oosterweel connection on the right bank of the Scheldt river in the coming years.
Full capacity since Sunday morning
Thanks to the bypass, traffic can continue to flow. At the same time, the developer demolishes the Merksem viaduct and then rebuilds the ring road underground, including connections to the new Oosterweel Tunnel under the Scheldt River. This weekend, the bypass toward the Netherlands opened; the section toward Ghent will follow in 2026.
Since Saturday morning, traffic heading toward the Netherlands has been using two lanes on the bypass. It briefly returned to one lane Saturday night, and the bypass reopened at full capacity on Sunday morning – with three lanes and a speed limit of 70 km/h.
‘Plan your route before departure’
Major roadworks will continue on the Antwerp Ring Road during the remainder of the autumn break, potentially causing traffic disruptions. Lantis, therefore, warns motorists not to be caught off guard.
Road users are encouraged to follow the Oosterweel Link and ‘Slim naar Antwerpen’ routes, plan their route before departure, and choose an alternative mode of transport if possible. Those who prefer to drive can use a Park and Ride service and should allow for additional travel time.
