Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On 8–9 July, 2025, the E40 closes overnight (21:00–05:00) between Aalter and Sint-Denijs-Westrem for final Deinsesteenweg bridge works in Drongen, Ghent. Use N44–N49–R4 detour via Maldegem/Zelzate.
As VRT News reported, during the night from Tuesday, July 8, 2025, to Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the E40 motorway will be fully closed in both directions between Aalter and Sint-Denijs-Westrem. They mentioned that this is because of important roadworks linked to the final stage of replacing the Deinsesteenweg bridge (N466) in Drongen, Ghent.
According to the officials, the old bridge was too outdated and no longer met today’s rules for strength, height, and safe paths for cyclists. That is why the full bridge is being taken down and replaced.
The motorway will be closed from 21:00 until 05:00. However, the on- and off-ramps at Aalter, Nevele, Drongen, and Sint-Denijs-Westrem will already be closed from 20:00. One exception is the on-ramp in Drongen going toward Brussels. That ramp will stay open, but only for local traffic.
What is causing the final E40 night closure near Ghent on 8–9 July?
Officials mentioned that to help traffic between the coast and Brussels during the closure, a detour will be used. Drivers will go through Maldegem and Zelzate, using the N44, N49, and R4 roads. This way, they can avoid the closed part of the E40 and keep going with less delay. Traffic might still be slower than normal. They told people to plan their trip carefully, avoid driving in the area during the closure, and follow the signs for the detour.
During the night-time closure, workers will take away the temporary formwork that was placed around the new bridge deck. This formwork helped shape the concrete and held it up while it became strong. After removing the formwork, the team will start placing the edge consoles.
Officials mentioned that these consoles are parts that stick out from the sides of the bridge. Later, the railings will be fixed on them. The railings are very important because they help keep cars, bikes, and people safe when they cross the bridge.
The work is being done at night to cause less trouble for traffic during the day. This is the last part of a long project that has already caused many problems. In the past, taking down the old bridge and building the new one led to many night and weekend closures on the E40 motorway.
The Deinsesteenweg nearby also had a lot of issues for months. Local traffic had less access and had to deal with noise from the work. Officials mentioned that now that the project is almost finished, the goal is to complete everything in a safe way.
