Vilvoorde (The Brussels Morning newspaper): Last weekend, a ban on trucks and buses over 3.5 tons was implemented on the Vilvoorde viaduct towards Zaventem, but many drivers ignored it. To address this more signs will be added and discussions with traffic police are planned to reduce violations
Last weekend on 10th August a new rule was put in place banning trucks and buses over 3.5 tons from using the viaduct towards Zaventem on weekends but many drivers ignored it. Marin Struyf from De Werkvennootschap pointed out that almost all trucks bypassed this restriction despite there being 14 signs indicating the ban. To tackle this issue they’re adding more signs and will meet with traffic police next week to find ways to reduce violations. Drivers caught ignoring the ban face a fine of 160 euros which could rise to 3,000 euros if the case goes to court along with the possibility of a driving ban.
What measures are being taken to enforce the weekend truck ban on the Vilvoorde viaduct?
Marijn Struyf representing The Working Company highlighted how important it is to lower the number of rule-breakers to keep work running smoothly and safely. This shows the problems the company might be dealing with because of actions that disrupt the workplace or create safety issues. These problems could come from not following rules, bad behavior or other actions that affect the company’s ability to function well. By tackling and reducing these problems Struyf wants to make The Working Company a safer and more stable place to work. This way the company can do its job without worrying about interruptions or safety issues. He said that the main goal is to create a workplace where employees can concentrate on their work feeling secure that there are steps taken to lower risks and keep a productive environment.
The work on the Vilvoorde Viaduct will take another 7 years. Struyf mentioned that while it’s still early to be sure they expect to finish by the 2031 deadline. It has been said that there are some tough phases ahead but nothing so far has threatened their schedule. They have been working for a year and are currently in the first phase which will last until 2025. The start took a while but it went well and now they are working steadily. For now the main disruption is on the inner ring towards Zaventem where the three lanes have been narrowed and the speed limit is down to 50 kilometers per hour. Trucks that weigh more than 3.5 tons are not allowed on weekends.
Phase 2 of the construction will take place from spring 2026 to spring 2027, moving to the outer ring while the inner ring towards Zaventem will still have narrowed lanes both with a speed limit of 50 km/h. From spring 2027 to the end of 2030 phases 3 and 4 will reduce lanes to two in either direction causing the most traffic disruptions. The final phase will involve minor work, like removing signs and should finish by 2031 eight years after the start. Struyf believes they will meet this deadline.
