Traffic disruptions expected across Belgium and Europe during first summer holiday weekend

Belgium and other parts of Europe are bracing for substantial traffic disruptions as the summer holiday season kicks off this weekend. Travelers heading towards the Belgian coast and the Ardennes region are advised to expect significant delays on key routes.

Congestion is anticipated on the E411 highway towards the Ardennes, as well as on the E17 connecting Antwerp and Lille, and the E19 linking Antwerp, Brussels, Mons, and Valenciennes, particularly on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. The Brussels ring road and areas surrounding Antwerp are also expected to experience very heavy traffic on Friday.

Saturday is projected to see extensive traffic jams due to a surge of day-trippers heading to the coast. Delays are likely on the E40 between Ostend and Ghent-Brussels, and on the N49/A11/E34 route connecting Knokke and Antwerp, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

Sunday is forecast to bring dense traffic as people depart from the coast and return inland. Major routes like the E40 and N49/A11/E34 are expected to be heavily impacted, as will the E411 for those traveling from the Ardennes back to Brussels.