Antwerp traffic jam worsens as Bruyns advises north routes

Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Antwerp city centre faces heavy traffic due to Ring Road roadworks. Police spokesperson Wouter Bruyns advises northern routes, parking outside the city, and using public transport. 

As VRT News reported, Antwerp’s city centre is facing heavy traffic. Drivers are reporting hours of congestion on major streets and intersections. The reason for this congestion is ongoing roadworks on the Ring Road and a number of significant access roads into the city. 

Numerous drivers are attempting to use alternative routes, which has caused more traffic to flow on the smaller streets. Authorities warn that delays could continue until the roadworks are finished. 

What is causing heavy traffic in Antwerp?

Police spokesperson Wouter Bruyns said that “cut-through traffic” is adding to the congestion. Police and traffic teams are actively monitoring the situation. Temporary detours and signs have been set up to guide drivers. 

Officials recommend using public transport, following traffic instructions, and planning routes carefully. They say staying informed can help reduce the impact of the heavy traffic in Antwerp’s city centre.

Drivers are being redirected through City Park and the Antwerp South area. Wouter Bruyns of the Antwerp police said that entering the city from the north is the best option.

“Traffic is much lighter on the northern routes, so drivers can avoid most delays,”

he explained. 

He also suggested parking outside the city and using public transport to reach the centre.

“If you leave your car on the outskirts, you won’t face the heavy city traffic at all,”

Bruyns added. 

Antwerp has previously experienced the same traffic havoc due to large-scale road works and infrastructural issues. For example, overnight repairs to the Ring Road (R1) and Outer Ring Road (R2) in June 2025 included major diversions across the city with even longer detours, and made traffic extremely difficult from Friday evening until early Monday morning. Earlier, in March 2024, a subsidence near the Sportpaleis on the Ring Road towards the Netherlands forced authorities to close lanes, creating long queues and heavy congestion in Antwerp.