Antwerp Police Warn: Don’t Block Intersections or Face Fines

Antwerp police have issued a stark warning to drivers after chaotic scenes at major intersections on the Noorderlaan (N180), where vehicles have been blocking crossings and bicycle paths, creating dangerous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. Drivers who enter an intersection they cannot clear face a fine of €58 plus €10 in administrative costs, even if they have a green light.

Background: A Perfect Storm of Roadworks

The congestion stems from a convergence of multiple infrastructure projects in the Port of Antwerp area. The Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) began a comprehensive road surface renovation on the Noorderlaan on February 2, 2026, scheduled to continue until Spring 2027. These works coincide with the long-running Oosterweelverbinding project, maintenance on the Scheldelaan, and heat network installation by Fluvius, creating what local authorities describe as a “perfect storm” of traffic disruption.

The Noorderlaan, a major arterial road serving the Port of Antwerp, carries heavy truck traffic daily. With roadworks reducing capacity and diverting vehicles, the intersection near the Kinepolis cinema at the Groenendaallaan has become a particular flashpoint.

Police Warning and Enforcement

Police spokesperson Kim Bastiaens emphasized that the situation has been closely monitored. “We know the situation there and have been on-site multiple times in recent days,” Bastiaens said. “The lights have also been adjusted. We will continue to monitor the situation, but we cannot magic away the traffic.”

The core message from police is simple: do not enter an intersection if it is already occupied. “The most important thing: do not enter the intersection when it is already full. That is not allowed. You just have to stay stopped at the traffic light, even if you have green,” Bastiaens explained. “If you do drive on, you risk a fine of 58 euros plus 10 euros administrative costs. Our officers are writing quite a few of these.”

This is not the first police intervention at this location. As early as March 2026, police conducted controls at the same intersection, fining 37 drivers in late February and another 46 on March 2 for ignoring a “no entry” sign on the Vossenschijnstraat, where drivers were attempting to bypass congestion. Those fines were €174 each, as HLN reported at the time.

Danger to Cyclists and Pedestrians

The most vulnerable road users are bearing the brunt of the chaos. Cyclist Ellen Vekemans, who regularly navigates the Noorderlaan intersection, described the dangers firsthand. “They don’t take us into account, or don’t realize that we suddenly have a green light. That’s really dangerous,” she told VRT NWS.

Vekemans added that the situation has become so severe that cyclists sometimes cannot pass at all. “Sometimes the bicycle path is so full of vehicles that you can’t slalom around them as a cyclist. Then you have to wait another three traffic light cycles to be able to ride through.”

Broader Traffic Context

The problems on the Noorderlaan are emblematic of wider congestion issues across Antwerp. Similar gridlock occurs at other intersections along the Antwerp Singel (R10), including at Bisschoppenhoflaan, Grote Steenweg, and the Kennedy Tunnel approach. As Belgium’s second-largest city and home to one of Europe’s largest ports, Antwerp faces chronic traffic congestion that is exacerbated whenever major infrastructure projects overlap.

What’s Next

With the Noorderlaan renovation works expected to continue until Spring 2027, the congestion issues are likely to persist for nearly another year. The next phase of roadworks, scheduled from June 30 to August 31, 2026, will bring lane and bicycle path closures on the Antwerp-bound side between the A12 on and off ramps.

Police have confirmed they will continue monitoring the situation and enforcing the rules. Whether more structural measures—such as stationing traffic police at the intersection during peak hours—will be implemented remains an open question. For now, the message to drivers is clear: if the intersection is full, stop and wait, or pay the price.