Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Antwerp launches new winter gritting plan with 78 drivers, 28 vehicles, 1,200 tons of salt, 180,000 litres of brine, and eco-friendly measures for 100km more roads and 150 km more cycle paths, says Alderman Ken Casier.
As VRT News reported, the city of Antwerp has announced a new winter gritting plan to keep roads and cycle paths safe. Alderman Ken Casier (N-VA) said the plan comes after a review of old routes. Gritting vehicles will follow fixed routes.
A smart system will apply the right amount of salt or brine on each surface. The system also protects plants and animals while keeping streets, sidewalks, and cycle paths safe in icy conditions.
How will Antwerp’s 2025–2026 winter gritting plan keep 250 km of roads and cycle paths safe?
According to officials, 78 drivers will alternate operating the gritting vehicles. The city has 7 vehicles for highways and 10 for cycle paths, and up to 28 vehicles can be used during heavy snow. 300 street sweepers and 150 parks and gardens staff will help treat roads and sidewalks. The city aims to maintain safe mobility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians across Antwerp throughout the winter season.
The city of Antwerp is preparing for winter with 1,200 tons of salt and 180,000 litres of brine in reserve. In parks and pedestrian areas, salt-free clay pebbles will be used as an eco-friendly alternative to protect plants and paths.
“Antwerp residents can now continue cycling comfortably and safely even in winter weather.”
Ken Casier (N-VA), Antwerp Alderman for Urban Cleaning
“It’s especially dangerous for cyclists when it freezes. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in smaller gritting vehicles for cycle paths and bridges in recent years,” says Casier. “We’ve deliberately chosen to use brine on cycle paths instead of salt. It works more efficiently, has a longer-lasting effect, and is less harmful to cyclists and the environment.”
With adapted gritting vehicles and the new plan, the city can now cover an extra 150 kilometres of cycle paths.
“This way, Antwerp residents can continue cycling comfortably and safely, even in winter weather,”
concludes Casier.
Officials mentioned that even with the city’s efforts, residents must clear snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of their homes. Traders and market vendors at Antwerp’s market squares can collect salt to keep their areas safe for visitors. Antwerp has been gritting in winter for many years now.
In previous winters, including 2023–2024, the city deployed gritters, street sweepers, and park staff to keep roads, sidewalks, and cycle paths safe during icy conditions. Thousands of tons of salt and tens of thousands of litres of brine were stocked, and fixed routes were used for consistent coverage. Environmentally friendly measures, such as salt-free clay pebbles in parks, were also applied. The 2025–2026 plan builds on these past efforts.
