The heavy traffic towards the Belgian coast on the first day of the sunny extended May 1st weekend was predicted and has indeed materialized. By midday on 2025-05-01 17:55:00, drivers faced unprecedented congestion, with the Flemish Traffic Centre reporting a staggering 225 kilometers of traffic jams on highways alone. This level of gridlock is exceptional, especially on a public holiday.
- Enorme filedruk van 225 kilometer op snelwegen
- E40 richting kust veroorzaakte anderhalf uur vertraging
- Oostende afgesloten voor inkomend verkeer sinds middag
- A12 druk door verkeer richting Zeeland
- Trein stilgevallen bij Affligem, reizigers geëvacueerd
- Drie treinreizigers onwel, naar ziekenhuis gebracht
Motorists traveling mainly on the E40 from Brussels to the coast experienced delays of up to one and a half hours, while Oostende is now completely closed to incoming traffic to ensure emergency access. Meanwhile, the A12 from Antwerp towards Bergen op Zoom also saw significant traffic, with many heading towards Zeeland. What does this mean for those still planning to travel to the coast today? And how are public transport disruptions adding to the challenges?
Why did this congestion become so severe, and what should travelers expect moving forward? The combination of a sunny holiday, extended weekend, and popular destinations created a perfect storm for delays. Key points include:
- 225 km of traffic jams mainly on highways to the coast, an unusual sight for a holiday.
- Oostende closed to incoming traffic to maintain emergency routes.
- Train from Brussels to the coast stalled near Affligem with smoke detected, leading to evacuation of around a thousand passengers.
- Advice from the Flemish Traffic Centre discouraging last-minute travel to the coast due to expected continued delays.
As the holiday continues, travelers are urged to check real-time traffic updates and consider alternative routes or transport options. Could this experience lead to better traffic management on future busy weekends? Staying informed and flexible will be key to enjoying the rest of the May 1st holiday in Belgium.
