Beervelde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – AWV began major E17 roadworks between Beervelde and Berlare towards Antwerp, lasting 10 days. Minister Annick De Ridder highlights safety improvements. Beervelde exit closed; speed limits enforced; diversions in place.
As VRT News reported, the Roads and Traffic Agency (AWV) has started the second phase of major summer roadworks on the E17 motorway between Beervelde and Berlare heading towards Antwerp.
It will take about 10 days to complete and is part of a wider investment plan announced by AWV earlier this year. The right-hand lane towards Antwerp will be completely replaced down to the foundation. The reconstruction involves 3 layers of asphalt.
“These major summer construction projects will cause some disruption, but they are important for improving the safety and longevity of one of our busiest and most important highways,”
emphasises Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA).
“The high traffic volume in Europe’s logistics heartland makes substantial investment essential.”
How will AWV’s 10-day E17 work affect traffic at Beervelde-Berlare?
Traffic will continue to move during the roadworks, but diversions have been put in place. Cars heading towards Antwerp will use 2 narrowed lanes. One lane will be rerouted to the opposite direction using a temporary bypass. The other lane will go through the 3rd lane on the same side.
The centre lane will stay open as a safety zone between the 2 directions. Authorities advise motorists to drive carefully, follow the reduced speed limits, and expect delays during busy hours.
The Beervelde exit on the E17 towards Antwerp will be completely closed until the end of August 2025. Drivers will need to make a detour on the E17 towards Ghent, follow the R4 to the Destelbergen exit, turn around there, and continue on the E17 towards Antwerp.
The Beervelde interchange towards Ghent will still be open, permitting local traffic to go through. The closure is part of the ongoing roadworks aimed at renewing the right-hand lane and strengthening the road’s foundation.
Officials mentioned that vehicles heading towards Antwerp must follow a 50 km/h limit, while traffic in the direction of Ghent is limited to 70 km/h. Long vehicles over 20 meters are not allowed to use the temporary crossings. Police will monitor the area using speed cameras to ensure compliance.
In the summer of 2023, the Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) initiated significant asphalt renewal works on the E17 between Beervelde and Lokeren. This project aimed to enhance road quality and was part of a broader initiative to improve infrastructure across Flanders. In 2022, extensive asphalt works were conducted on the E17 between Lokeren and Waasmunster, focusing on resurfacing and lane improvements to accommodate increasing traffic demands.
