Flemish motorways saw record traffic jams in 2024
Flemish motorways experienced an unprecedented average of 159km of traffic jams on working days in 2024. This is the highest level of congestion ever recorded, according to data published by the Flemish Traffic Centre on Monday.
The figure is a significant increase from the average of 147km in 2023 and 142km in 2019, the last year before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted traffic patterns.
Ten out of 12 months in 2024 set new monthly congestion records, with only January and June falling short. November was the most congested month since measurements began in 2011, with an average of 206km of congestion on weekdays.
A notable trend in 2024 was the longer duration of evening congestion, which often surpassed the morning rush hour in severity and caused greater disruption. Despite the overall increase in congestion, traffic volumes, including both cars and trucks, remained slightly below pre-pandemic levels.
Saturated motorways
According to a spokesperson for the Flemish Traffic Centre, the heavy congestion is due to a combination of factors.
A large part of the region's motorway network is reaching saturation point. This is particularly the case around the Antwerp and Brussels ring roads, where many zones are congested for much of the day.
Poor weather also contributed to traffic jams, with 2024 officially Belgium's wettest year on record. Ongoing roadworks and a record number of incidents causing significant traffic delays exacerbated the situation. On average, there were nearly 20 such accidents per working day in 2024.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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