Wingene (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Hillesteenweg is fully closed after a truck spilt sludge due to a rear hatch malfunction. Firefighters and police are cleaning the road, with traffic diverted via Boterstraat.
As VRT News reported, the road between the Belgian towns of Zwevezele and Wingene, the Hillesteenweg, is now closed in both directions, due to the spillage of sludge from a truck. Earlier, the spillage affected only one lane; however, once it was noticed just how much sludge there was, the authorities decided to close off the entire road.
What caused the Hillesteenweg closure between Zwevezele and Wingene?
Firefighters and police are on site managing the cleanup and securing the area. An additional truck was brought in to transfer the remaining sludge from the original vehicle. Traffic is being diverted through Boterstraat and nearby roads. Drivers are asked to follow the detours and avoid the area if possible. Authorities said they are working to reopen the road as quickly as possible.
Hillesteenweg provides a community linkage between the municipalities of Zwevezele and Wingene located in West Flanders, Belgium. Hillesteenweg traverses a relatively rural area with predominantly agricultural land use. The Hillesteenweg is an important transportation corridor serving many residents.
Hillesteenweg has been the site of numerous traffic accidents; one accident in August 2023 involving 2 vehicles resulted in the road being closed for several hours due to vehicular debris. Residents participate in various special event activities on Hillesteenweg, including the Zwevezele Koers bicycle race held yearly.
In addition, in conjunction with the planning of the new municipal government in Wingene, scheduled for elections in 2025, local authorities will begin to undertake construction of improvements to the road and associated infrastructure projects.
