Traffic has been exceptionally heavy on Flemish motorways on Wednesday afternoon due to the Ascension Day weekend, reports the Flemish Traffic Centre, with congestion measured at over 215 kilometres as of 16:00.
The traffic centre’s congestion barometer flashed red since 11:00, particularly around Antwerp. Numerous accidents occurred on roads in and around the Antwerp Ring. The A12 was completely closed following a severe accident near Bergen op Zoom heading towards Antwerp. “The combination of accidents and roadworks is contributing to the intensified traffic of the Ascension Day weekend,” stated Peter Bruyninckx from the Flemish Traffic Centre.
On the E314, the passage from Leuven towards Lummen is difficult, with over an hour of bumper-to-bumper traffic. All vehicles are being diverted onto the hard shoulder. Near Bekkevoort, a van overturned, spilling oil onto the road. While there were no injuries, firefighters are cleaning the road—a necessary step before reopening the motorway.
According to the Traffic Centre, the evening before the Ascension Day weekend is one of the busiest rush hours of the year. “Many people start an extended weekend,” explained Bruyninckx. “Although many head to the coast with the fine weather, today is slightly quieter.” He likened the evening traffic pattern of a public holiday to that of a Friday. “We advise following traffic updates if you’re travelling today,” he added.
