Kontich (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The N1 road (Koningin Astridlaan) in Kontich reopened on October 18, 2025, after a 1.8-km reconstruction. Alderman Willem Wevers and residents praised safer intersections, new cycle paths, and smoother traffic.
As VRT News reported, the N1 regional road in Kontich, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium, known locally as Koningin Astridlaan, has officially reopened after a major reconstruction. The road had been partially open to traffic since July 2025, but Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, marked the formal reopening. The work covered a 1.8-kilometre stretch of the highway that links Brussels and Antwerp. Cranes, asphalt pavers, and other machines worked for weeks to complete the project.
“It’s quite a big moment today,”
says Willem Wevers (N-VA), Alderman for Mobility and Public Works.
“The work is now really coming to an end after a year and a half of roadworks on a very busy regional road. Many streets in the neighbourhood were also constructed. This has had quite an impact: both on through traffic and for residents,”
he reflects
What improvements made Kontich’s N1 road safer?
Officials were present at the reopening to highlight the completion of the project.
“We can now celebrate the work in a beautiful, safer, and newly landscaped environment,”
said Wevers. Before the reconstruction, this section of the N1 in Kontich was known for frequent accidents.
Alderman Wevers said the work has already changed how people drive.
“After the reconstruction, it is clear that people are driving much slower now because the road has narrowed,”
he said. The intersections were also redesigned. They are now conflict-free for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.
“The main focus of the project is the separate cycle paths on both sides of the road,”
continues Esther Thomas of the Roads and Traffic Agency.
“These are one-way cycle paths, 2 meters wide, separated from car traffic by ditches.”
Residents have welcomed the renovation and praised the work. Anthony, who lives nearby, said the project went smoothly.
“Although the work took a long time, everything went very well. The people working here were always super friendly and cooperative,”
he said. He also pointed out the improvements in safety for all road users.
“It is much safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists,”
Anthony said.
The Flemish Road and Traffic Agency, in collaboration with the Municipality of Kontich, Aquafin, and Pidpa, initiated an extensive redevelopment project. The works started on April 15, 2024, with preparatory utility works commenced in the early months of 2023. The project’s scope extended over a distance of 1.8 kilometres, from the Duffelsesteenweg to the Antwerpsesteenweg.
