Starting Monday, traffic across parts of Brussels’ Small Ring Road will face major disruptions as the region moves forward with the redevelopment of Place Sainctelette.
The large-scale project, coordinated by Brussels Mobility, aims to make the area more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly while improving public transport accessibility.
According to Brussels Mobility, the junction between Quai de Willebroek and the Small Ring Road will be temporarily closed until 1 November. This closure allows for tram track renewal at Place de l’Yser, a critical step in the urban transformation project spanning from Place de l’Yser to Avenue du Port.
The initiative is part of Brussels’ ongoing effort to make its cityscape less car-centric, turning the busy area into a vibrant and welcoming public space. “The goal is to create a safer, more attractive environment for pedestrians and cyclists,” said a Brussels Mobility spokesperson.
During the works, traffic heading toward the Basilica in Koekelberg will face closures at the junction with Quai de Willebroek. From Quai de Willebroek, vehicles will only be permitted to travel toward Rogier. The Annie Cordy tunnel will remain open, but above-ground traffic will be redirected through Quai de Willebroek, Place des Armateurs, and Avenue du Port.
Meanwhile, only one lane will remain open for vehicles on the Small Ring Road near the construction sites for those heading toward the city centre.
Public transport will also be affected, with tram line 51 interrupted and several De Lijn bus services diverted. Pedestrian and cycling lanes, however, will remain accessible through designated paths set up by Brussels Mobility.
Beyond the city centre, commuters using the E40 motorway will also face disruptions. Starting 27 October, construction work will commence on improving the cycle lane between Avenue des Communautés and Rue Colonel Bourg. The project, expected to take a month, will unfold in several phases.
During this period, the existing cycle path will be closed. Cyclists will be redirected via Avenue des Communautés, Gulledelle, Avenue des Pléiades, and Avenue Grosjean before reconnecting to Reyers through Rue Colonel Bourg.
Additionally, on 25 and 26 October, the access ramp to the E40 from Avenue des Communautés will be shut down, with diversions set up via Chaussée de Louvain.
The following weekend, on 1 and 2 November, Rue Colonel Bourg will undergo works, closing the Reyers–Colonel Bourg exit. Motor traffic will instead use the Reyers–Meiser tunnel, while heavy goods vehicles will be diverted through the Evere–Woluwe exit.
Brussels Mobility advises residents and commuters to allow extra travel time, follow posted diversions, and stay updated through official channels as the city continues its transition toward a more sustainable and connected urban landscape.
