Brussels Ring faces new major construction project at Quatre-Bras interchange

Commuters in Brussels face more traffic headaches as the Flemish government greenlit a comprehensive renovation of the Quatre-Bras interchange, a key junction on the eastern Brussels Ring road. This project follows closely on the heels of major disruptions at the nearby Léonard crossroads, promising further congestion for the estimated 100,000 vehicles that use the Quatre-Bras tunnel daily.

The planned "structural renovation" will address the tunnel's underground infrastructure and modernize its ventilation, surveillance, and safety systems. The Quatre-Bras interchange, named after a historic inn, is a critical node connecting the Ring with the Avenue de Tervueren. This latest construction phase adds to a series of interventions at the junction since 2019, including recent inspections and the installation of a pedestrian and cyclist overpass.

Flanders is opting for a Design, Build, Finance, and Maintain (DBFM) public-private partnership for this extensive project. This model involves a private company handling the design, construction, financing, and long-term upkeep of the tunnel, with the public sector paying a recurring fee. This approach has been used for other complex infrastructure projects on the Brussels Ring, such as the Zaventem interchange and the future North Ring redevelopment.

"This allows us to act more quickly while integrating guarantees for quality and long-term maintenance," stated Minister Annick De Ridder. "In recent years, Flanders has proven that this approach works for complex infrastructure projects."

The selection process for the contractor is expected to launch this year, with construction slated to commence in 2029. This is not the only major work planned for the eastern Ring; authorities are also preparing for a significant overhaul of the North Ring, between Zaventem and Grand-Bigard, which will be carried out in sections.

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This allows us to act more quickly while integrating guarantees for quality and long-term maintenance. In recent years, Flanders has proven that this approach works for complex infrastructure projects.