Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – From April 30 to May 4, 2025, the Roads and Traffic Agency will fix the E40 from Leuven to Brussels between Sterrebeek and Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, causing delays. Alternative routes are advised, especially for Brussels Airport travellers.
Starting Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 8 p.m. until Sunday, May 4, 2025, the Roads and Traffic Agency will be fixing the E40 motorway between Leuven and Brussels, specifically between Sterrebeek and Sint-Stevens-Woluwe. They will be fixing the road over about 2.5 kilometres because it has deep ruts from heavy trucks.
Officials mentioned that this is important for safety. Due to the construction work, the E40 will be reduced to only 2 lanes from 4 in Sterrebeek, which will result in huge delays, particularly when commuters are travelling to and from work. The routes to the Ring (R0) at Sint-Stevens-Woluwe leading towards Brussels will be closed, which will create traffic issues.
How will the E40 roadwork between Leuven and Brussels affect traffic?
According to the officials, to help drivers during the E40 roadwork, there are some suggested routes. If people want to get on the Brussels Ring, keep going past the closed area in Sint-Stevens-Woluwe on the E40 towards Brussels. Then, get off and back on the highway at Evere to get to the Ring.
They mentioned that another option is to exit at Kraainem and take the Woluwelaan (R22), which leads to the Ring and places in the eastern suburbs. They said that drivers should plan for extra travel time, try to avoid the area if they can, and check for traffic updates before they leave.
“If you want to drive from Leuven or Limburg to Brussels Airport or the coast, it is better to allow some extra travel time,“
Officials said.
Travellers can expect delays on Thursday, May 1, 2025, when heading to Brussels or the coast due to ongoing construction on the E40. Those travelling from Leuven or Limburg to Brussels Airport will likely be particularly affected. The Sterrebeek slip road on the E40 towards Brussels will be closed, potentially causing traffic congestion along the Leuvensesteenweg in Nossegem.
They mentioned that drivers should account for extra travel time, especially during peak morning and afternoon hours, as roadworks combined with weekend traffic may significantly slow down travel times, particularly for those using the E40 to reach destinations such as Brussels Airport.
The roadwork involves fixing the right lane and the connection to the Brussels Ring. First, they’ll remove up to 20 centimetres of old asphalt. Then, they’ll rebuild the road with 3 new layers of asphalt and fresh road markings. Big machines will work together, like a train, to do the asphalting. 2 lanes on the E40 will be closed.
