As part of the ongoing works on the Leonard tunnel in Tervuren on the outskirts of Brussels, the tunnel on the Brussels Ring (R0) will be completely closed to traffic in both directions at the end of this month.
The second phase of the renovation of the tunnel, which passes underneath the Leonard crossroad where the E411 and the R0 intersect, started in mid-April, with most of the work taking place in the evening and the night to limit traffic hindrance.
However, on Sunday 28 May, works are being carried out on the high-voltage installation, which will require the tunnel’s power supply to be cut off. This will prevent the so-called "dynamic signs", tunnel lighting and part of the public lighting at the Leonard intersection from working.
"The Brussels Ring tunnel will therefore be completely closed from 07:00," the Flemish Roads and Traffic Agency (Agentschap voor Wegen en Verkeer) announced on Friday.
"Traffic on the inner and outer ring road must follow the diversions provided during the day," it wrote on its website. "We expected serious traffic disruption on this day and advise drivers passing through to avoid the area."
An image showing the diversion that drivers will have to follow. Credit: Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer
If the works go smoothly, the tunnels could reopen on Sunday evening. But there is a chance that work will continue on Sunday night and on Whit Monday (29 May). A temporary speed limit will then be introduced on the E411 so that traffic slows before entering the non-illuminated E411 tunnel.
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In the long term, the large-scale renovations will tackle the four tunnel shafts, one in each direction of the two motorways. The agency will be carrying out work on the tunnel shaft of the Brussels Ring Road until July 2024, resulting in the tunnel shafts being completely closed at night, and traffic being diverted above ground or in the other tunnel.
On weekdays, the tunnels reopen from 05:30 in the morning to avoid additional disruption during the morning rush hour. Following the completion of the Brussels Ring tunnel shaft, the works will focus on the E411 tunnel.
