Brussels, August 10, 2024 — Belgium is set to experience severe traffic congestion this weekend as holidaymakers flock back into the country, leading to anticipated gridlock on major roads and highways.
With the bank holiday on Thursday, August 15, approaching, travel assistance organization Touring has issued warnings about expected traffic jams, advising drivers to plan their journeys accordingly.
Touring predicts that traffic will become increasingly heavy ahead of the bank holiday and into the weekend, particularly on routes leading into and out of Brussels.
Travelers should brace for congestion on key roads such as the E40 from Brussels to the coast and the E411 Brussels-Luxembourg, where significant delays are anticipated.
Anticipated Traffic Hotspots
According to Touring, Wednesday afternoon and evening are expected to be particularly challenging for drivers heading towards the coast or the Ardennes.
Traffic on the E40 Ostend–Brussels will likely be very slow-moving as holidaymakers make their way back to the capital. The E411 will also see increased volumes, with long queues likely.
The situation is expected to worsen on Sunday evening when travelers return to Brussels. Touring warns that traffic on the E40 Ostend–Brussels could be particularly problematic, with substantial delays expected as vehicles make their way back from coastal and Ardennes destinations.
The ongoing heatwave is expected to exacerbate the traffic situation. As temperatures rise, more people are heading to the coast and the Ardennes to escape the heat, contributing to the already heavy traffic conditions.
Traffic Forecast for France and Beyond
Travelers from France and other countries should also prepare for significant delays. Touring has classified Saturday as an “orange day” for traffic on French roads, with Western and Northern France experiencing “red” status due to expected congestion.
Wednesday is similarly marked “orange” in these regions, with additional traffic in the Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes areas expected on Sunday.
Drivers traveling from France to Belgium are advised to avoid certain bottlenecks during peak times. Between 14:00 and 18:00 on Friday, the following routes will be particularly congested:
- A7 Lyon-Orange
- A6 between Beaune and Lyon
- Lyon ring road (A46) before the interchange with the A7
- A7 between Lyon and Orange, especially at Vienne, Valence, and Montélimar
- A9 between Montpellier and the French-Spanish border at Montpellier, Béziers, and Narbonne
- Paris area, mainly when leaving Paris
- A10 near Orléans and Vierzon
- A71 Vierzon-Clermont Ferrand between Montluçon and Clermont Ferrand
- A75 Clermont Ferrand-Béziers when leaving Clermont Ferrand and at Béziers
- A20 Vierzon-Limoges-Toulouse at the junction with the A62
- A62/A61 Montauban-Toulouse-Narbonne near Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Narbonne
The worst traffic on Saturday and Sunday is expected to occur between 08:00 and 17:00, particularly on the A25 between Bergues and Rijsel (Lille) and the A13 between Caen and Paris from 11:00 until 16:00. On Monday, the peak traffic times will be from 12:00 to 17:00.
Travel Conditions to and from Southern Europe
For those traveling south from Belgium, Touring reports that traffic will be relatively smooth on Wednesday afternoon.
However, roads in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy are expected to become increasingly busy on Friday, with Saturday marked as a “red day” for traffic congestion.
By Sunday, traffic conditions should improve, but peak congestion is still expected between 09:00 and 16:00.
Returning travelers from these southern destinations should anticipate heavy traffic on Friday, with Saturday being particularly problematic. Although Sunday will offer some relief, drivers should still expect peak traffic during the mid-morning to late afternoon hours.
Recommendations for Drivers
In light of the anticipated traffic delays, Touring recommends that drivers plan their journeys carefully. It is advised to avoid traveling during peak congestion times and to consider alternative routes or travel times to minimize delays.
Additionally, travelers should ensure their vehicles are well-prepared for the journey, given the high temperatures and potential for prolonged travel times.
For those heading to or from holiday destinations, early departure times and flexible travel plans may help avoid some of the worst congestion.
Keeping up-to-date with traffic reports and using navigation apps with real-time traffic information can also assist in navigating the expected delays.
As Belgium and neighboring regions brace for a busy weekend on the roads, following these guidelines and preparing for potential traffic issues will help ensure a smoother travel experience during this busy holiday period.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
