Groenendaallaan Closed 8 Weeks for Oosterweel Works

A major arterial road in northern Antwerp will be closed to motorized traffic for eight weeks this summer as construction on the Oosterweel connection — the largest infrastructure project in Flanders — reaches a critical phase. The Groenendaallaan will shut from July 1 to August 26 between the railway bridge and the Lambrechtshoekenlaan intersection, with the Merksem on-ramp to the R1 ring road toward Ghent and Brussels also closed during this period.

Context: Completing Antwerp’s Ring Road

The closure is part of the Oosterweelverbinding (Oosterweel Connection), a multi-billion-euro project to complete the Antwerp ring road (R1) by linking the E17 highway on the left bank of the Scheldt with the E19 and A12 highways on the right bank. The project, managed by Flemish government agency Lantis, includes tunnels under the Albert Canal, a major interchange, and the replacement of the elevated Merksem viaduct with a sunken, largely covered ring road.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, Lantis will place concrete walls deep underground along the Groenendaallaan during the works, forming the basis for the construction pit of the new sunken R1.

Traffic Disruptions and Diversions

The summer closure was deliberately chosen to minimize impact, as traffic volumes are typically 20-30 percent lower during the holiday period. Nevertheless, significant disruption is expected.

For motorists: Traffic from the Noorderlaan toward Ghent and Brussels will be diverted via the Ekeren on-ramp. From Merksem, the diversion runs via the Bredabaan and Kleine Bareel. Local traffic will follow detours through the Noorderlaan, Jozef Masurebrug, and Lambrechtshoekenlaan. The Merksem off-ramp from the Bypass remains open, but drivers cannot turn left toward the Noorderlaan.

“We deliberately plan these works during the summer period to keep the traffic impact as limited as possible,” said Laure Stuyck, spokesperson for Lantis. “Nevertheless, a temporary closure is necessary to carry out the works safely.”

Stuyck added that traffic lights at surrounding intersections will be adjusted and monitored to maintain traffic flow, and that the works are coordinated with other construction sites and partners including the Roads and Traffic Agency, De Lijn, and the city of Antwerp.

Public Transport Changes

Public transport will face five weeks of disruption. From July 1 to August 5, tram line 6 and bus lines 60, 61, 62, 64, and 601 will be affected. Tram 6 will run only as far as Burgemeester Nolfplein, while bus services will follow alternative routes. De Lijn will operate a shuttle bus every half hour between Burgemeester Nolfplein and P+R Luchtbal via the Lambrechtshoekenlaan. Bus line 64’s detour will continue until August 26.

Cyclists and Pedestrians

Pedestrians can pass through the work zone throughout the entire eight-week period. Cyclists will follow a detour in July via station Luchtbal, the F14 cycle highway, and the Columbiastraat. From August, they can use the cycle path through the work zone again.

Long-Term Vision: Ringpark Groenendaal

The current disruption is part of a broader transformation. The Merksem viaduct will be replaced by a sunken, largely covered ring road, and the Groenendaallaan itself will be lowered with covered on- and off-ramps. Above and alongside it, a new park — Ringpark Groenendaal — will be built, reconnecting the Merksem and Luchtbal neighborhoods and creating new green space where a busy traffic artery currently stands.

Lantis organized an information event on May 27 at the Oosterweel campus to inform residents about the works, including a VR visualization of the future situation.

Looking Ahead

While the eight-week closure will cause significant short-term disruption for commuters, port traffic, and local businesses, it marks a major milestone in the Oosterweel project. The planned switch to the new infrastructure is expected in 2033, meaning that while this summer’s works are intensive, they bring the completion of Antwerp’s ring road — and the transformation of the Merksem-Luchtbal area — substantially closer.

Residents and commuters are advised to plan alternative routes, check public transport schedules via the De Lijn app, and consult Slim naar Antwerpen for real-time travel advice.