Geel (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – October 21, 2026 – Utility operator Fluvius and local municipal authorities have announced temporary traffic management measures, including a one-way system and parking bans, along Stationsstraat in Olen to facilitate essential electrical grid expansion works scheduled to take place between 2 November and 6 November 2026.
The upcoming infrastructure project is aimed at expanding the current low-voltage power supply network to support the installation of future electric vehicle charging points in the immediate vicinity of Olen railway station. Construction activities will be focused primarily on the stretch of road extending from the railway station building up to the junction with Pastoor Van Looystraat.
To accommodate the necessary excavation and cabling work while ensuring public safety, local authorities will enforce temporary one-way traffic restrictions for all motorised vehicles travelling through the designated work zone.
Scope and Specific Requirements of the Grid Expansion Work
The utility expansion project managed by Fluvius is designed to strengthen electrical capacity across the local distribution network. According to official project notifications, the work will reinforce grid infrastructure adjacent to the railway station to allow for high-capacity public EV charging stations.
Work crews will carry out ground excavations along Stationsstraat between the station building and Pastoor Van Looystraat. To ensure continuous access for residents and local businesses operating within the affected perimeter, temporary steel drive plates will be positioned across driveways and entrances where ground disruptions occur.
Fluvius has confirmed that informative letters detailing the execution timeline and specific operational impacts are being dispatched directly to all neighbouring residents prior to the start of construction.
Comprehensive Overview of Traffic and Parking Regulations
Throughout the execution period from 2 November to 6 November 2026, motor vehicles will be required to follow a strictly enforced one-way traffic pattern in Stationsstraat. Drivers will need to adhere to temporary road signage positioned along the approach routes and surrounding intersections.
In contrast to motor vehicles, non-motorised traffic will experience minimal interruption. Both cyclists and pedestrians will maintain two-way access along Stationsstraat, with dedicated passages provided to allow safe transit past the work zone at all times.
To prevent traffic congestion and ensure safe movement for construction machinery, strict parking and standing prohibitions will be introduced across adjacent streets. These temporary parking bans will apply continuously along:
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Stationsstraat
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Pastoor Van Looystraat
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Dwarsstraat
Despite the street-level parking restrictions, municipal authorities confirmed that the main parking facility at Olen railway station will remain accessible to the public for the duration of the utility works.
Wider Context of Local Infrastructure Projects in Olen
The upcoming Fluvius project follows a series of recent infrastructure and maintenance initiatives within the municipality of Olen. Between late September and mid-October 2026, the area around Stationsstraat underwent significant railway crossing works coordinated by rail infrastructure manager Infrabel.
During that period, complete closures were enforced at the railway crossing to permit essential maintenance, during which time pedestrian and cycle traffic was re-routed via Hondsstraat, Gestelstraat, and the F105 cycle highway.
With the Infrabel railway crossing interventions completed, the upcoming Fluvius installation focuses specifically on upgrading utility capacity to accommodate modern transport demands and municipal sustainable energy goals. Municipal officials have advised all road users to plan their trips in advance and follow posted detours during the work week.
