The weekend prohibition, introduced on 9 August 2023, is part of measures aimed at facilitating sensitive welding work on the viaduct’s steel support structure. The ban applies every weekend from Friday at 11:00 p.m. to Monday at 4:00 a.m. on the inner ring road towards Zaventem.
To ensure compliance, authorities have implemented several deterrents. These include a height restrictor with a maximum clearance of 3 metres installed near exit 6 Koningslo-Vilvoorde and flexible height limiters to warn drivers earlier. Despite these measures, violations persist, prompting the public prosecutor’s office to escalate enforcement with the licence suspension penalty.
The restrictions are critical for maintaining the precision of welding work, which requires the viaduct to remain static. The ongoing construction, involving narrowed lanes and reduced speed limits, is designed to enhance the bridge’s structural integrity and is scheduled to continue until spring 2026.
Additionally, exit 6 Koningslo-Vilvoorde will remain physically closed to all traffic during the restricted hours to prevent unauthorised access.