The morning rush hour on the Merksem Viaduct along the Antwerp Ring Road promises to be extra difficult on Friday due to emergency repairs to a bridge joint.
The repairs, which are being done on the bridge in the direction of the Netherlands, may require the use of three of the four lanes, the Roads and Traffic Agency reported on Thursday evening.
However, it was not known on Thursday evening how long the works would last.
The bridge joint in question underwent a temporary repair last week, but one of its elements broke on Thursday evening due to the heavy traffic load. Two lanes have already been closed in the direction of the Netherlands.
Emergency repairs will start at 6 a.m. on Friday.
The Traffic Centre noted that since three lanes may need to be closed during the works, extra traffic jams can be expected. Road users are advised to avoid the Antwerp ring road in the direction of the Netherlands if possible. A detour can be made to the north via the R2 in the harbour.
The Liefkenshoektunnel (R2) in the direction of the Netherlands will be made toll-free there, from Friday morning, depending on the traffic. This measure will apply for as long as necessary.
This information has also been given in the traffic bulletins on the radio and via the channels of the Traffic Center.
The bridge joint, which is located between the Deurne and Merksem exits, will be thoroughly renovated later this year - in November at the earliest, the Roads and Traffic Agency said.
