Antwerp, Belgium – Commuters in and around Antwerp faced significant disruption on Friday, March 13, 2026, as a series of incidents on the city’s ring road and in the Kennedytunnel caused extensive traffic delays. A complex chain of events, beginning with a multi-vehicle collision in the Kennedytunnel, has led to hours of gridlock, impacting travel throughout the region. Authorities warned that the congestion would likely persist throughout the afternoon, urging drivers to avoid the area if possible.
The initial incident, reported around 10:30 AM local time, involved four heavy goods vehicles colliding within the Kennedytunnel in the direction of Ghent. According to reports, the lead vehicle was an empty car transporter, complicating the recovery process as other trucks collided with its trailer. The subsequent takedown operation proved complex, requiring significant time and resources. Even as the tunnel was reopened to traffic around 1:30 PM, substantial delays remained on the Antwerp Ring Road and connecting routes.
Kennedytunnel Collision: A Complex Recovery
The severity of the collision in the Kennedytunnel necessitated a careful and methodical recovery operation. Fire and rescue services were dispatched to the scene to manage the situation and clear debris from the roadway. The takedown process, involving the removal of the damaged vehicles, took several hours to complete. Peter Bruyninckx of the Flemish Traffic Centre stated that the disruption would be felt throughout the day, with long queues expected to continue. VRT News reported that the tunnel reopened around 13:30 local time, but significant congestion persisted.
The incident caused substantial disruption to traffic flow, not only within the tunnel itself but likewise on the broader Antwerp Ring Road (R1) and the E313 motorway approaching the city from the Kempen region. The Flemish Traffic Centre advised motorists to consider alternative routes, including traveling via Brussels, to avoid the worst of the delays. The temporary suspension of tolls on the Liefkenshoektunnel, intended to alleviate pressure on the affected routes, was also lifted.
Widespread Congestion on Antwerp Ring Road
The impact of the Kennedytunnel incident extended far beyond the immediate vicinity. The Antwerp Ring Road, a crucial artery for traffic in and around the city, experienced significant congestion in both directions. The Flemish Traffic Centre reported delays on multiple sections of the R1, including Deurne, Merksem, and Sint-Anna. The Flemish Traffic Centre website provided real-time updates on traffic conditions, indicating variable delays across the network.
Beyond the R1, the E313 motorway, a major route connecting Antwerp to the Kempen region and beyond, also experienced significant tailbacks. Drivers approaching Antwerp from the east faced lengthy delays as traffic slowed to a crawl. The congestion also impacted the Brusselse Ring (R0) in the vicinity of Antwerp, further exacerbating the travel difficulties for commuters.
Recent Incidents Contributing to Traffic Issues
This incident is not isolated. The Kennedytunnel and the Antwerp Ring Road have been prone to congestion in recent years, often due to accidents and roadworks. In February 2026, a separate incident involving multiple vehicles in the Kennedytunnel caused significant disruption. The ongoing roadworks on the E403 motorway near Wevelgem, requiring diversions via the A19 and R8, have also contributed to increased traffic volumes on alternative routes, adding to the pressure on the Antwerp network. The Flemish Traffic Centre advises drivers to check traffic conditions before commencing their journeys and to allow extra time for travel.
Fatal Accident on Antwerp Ring Road
Adding to the day’s traffic woes, a separate, fatal accident occurred on the Antwerp Ring Road. HBVL reported that a driver died after a collision with a truck. Details surrounding this incident are still emerging, but it further compounded the traffic problems on the already congested network. The accident occurred on the R1, adding to the delays experienced by motorists.
Authorities are investigating the cause of both the Kennedytunnel collision and the fatal accident on the Ring Road. The investigations will aim to determine the circumstances surrounding the incidents and to identify any contributing factors. The findings of these investigations may lead to recommendations for improving road safety and traffic management on the Antwerp network.
Impact on Regional Travel
The disruption on the Antwerp Ring Road and in the Kennedytunnel has had a significant impact on regional travel. Commuters traveling to and from Ghent, as well as those heading to and from the Kempen region, have been particularly affected. The delays have also impacted freight transport, potentially disrupting supply chains and causing economic losses. The Flemish Traffic Centre has urged businesses to consider alternative transportation options where possible.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of the Antwerp Ring Road to disruption. The network is a critical component of the Flemish transportation infrastructure, and any significant incident can have far-reaching consequences. The ongoing debate over the need for further investment in road infrastructure and traffic management systems has been reignited by these recent events.
Looking Ahead: Traffic Management and Infrastructure Improvements
The Flemish government has announced plans to invest in improvements to the Antwerp Ring Road and surrounding infrastructure. These plans include widening key sections of the R1, improving traffic management systems, and promoting the leverage of public transport. However, these projects are likely to seize several years to complete, and in the meantime, commuters will continue to face the risk of disruption.
In the short term, the Flemish Traffic Centre is focusing on providing real-time traffic information to motorists and coordinating traffic management efforts to minimize delays. The Centre is also working with local authorities to identify alternative routes and to promote the use of public transport. Drivers are advised to stay informed about traffic conditions and to plan their journeys accordingly.
The situation on the Antwerp Ring Road is expected to remain challenging in the coming hours. The Flemish Traffic Centre has warned that the congestion is likely to persist throughout the afternoon, and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible. Updates on traffic conditions will be provided on the Flemish Traffic Centre website and through social media channels.
The next official update regarding the traffic situation is expected from the Flemish Traffic Centre at 6:00 PM local time. Motorists are encouraged to check the Flemish Traffic Centre website for the latest information. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Share your experiences and travel tips in the comments below.