Antwerp Ring roadworks: traffic disruption near AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena (September-November 2026)
Between September and late November, major works are being carried out on the Oosterweel connection along the Antwerp Ring, affecting the area around AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena. The table below shows, per event, which works are relevant and what to do.
Which works affect which event?
Note: most closures don't start until around 10:00-11:00 PM, once the event is already underway. Disruption is therefore mostly concentrated on the journey home afterward, not on arrival — except where noted otherwise below.
| Date | Event | Venue | What's happening | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 18 | Pussycat Dolls | AFAS Dome | Deurne exit closed from 11:00 PM | Mostly affects departure, no impact on arrival |
| September 19 | Party101 with DJ Matt Bennett | Lotto Arena | Deurne exit still closed; only 2 lanes from 10:30 PM | Exception: affects both arrival and departure, since the exit is already closed before the show starts |
| September 26 and 27 | Fortnite Global Championship | Lotto Arena | Varying lane restrictions on both days | Mostly affects departure in the evening, both days |
| October 3 | WFL Final 16 (Part 1) | Lotto Arena | Schijnpoortweg restricted (Merksem viaduct demolition) | Exception: affects both arrival and departure, the works run around the clock |
| October 4 | Harlem Globetrotters (2 PM and 7 PM) | Lotto Arena | Schijnpoortweg restricted (Merksem viaduct demolition) | Exception: affects both arrival and departure, the works run around the clock |
| November 28 | De Grote Sinterklaasshow 2026 (10 AM, 2 PM, 5:30 PM) | AFAS Dome | No impact during the shows themselves; closure only starts at 11:00 PM | Nothing to worry about — all shows end before the closure starts |
| November 28 | The Script | Lotto Arena | Closure from 11:00 PM (E19 toward Ghent/Brussels) | Mostly affects departure after 11:00 PM, no impact on arrival |
Full schedules per period
The list below gives exact times for anyone who needs them — the table above is enough for most visitors.
Weekend of September 18-21 (opening of the Deurne exit underpass):
-
Friday, September 18, 11:00 PM – Monday, September 21, 5:00 AM
Deurne exit closed, detour via Merksem -
Friday, September 18, 10:00 PM – Saturday, September 19, 5:00 AM
E313 connection to the Ring toward the Netherlands closed, detour via Berchem -
Saturday, September 19, 10:30 PM – Sunday, September 20, 5:30 AM
Only 2 lanes on the Ring toward the Netherlands (near Antwerpen-Oost)
Weekend of September 25-28 (opening of the eastern Bypass toward the Netherlands):
-
Saturday, September 26, 9:00-10:00 PM
2 lanes on the Ring toward the Netherlands -
Saturday, September 26, 10:00 PM – Sunday, September 27, 10:00 AM
Only 1 lane -
Sunday, September 27, 9:00 PM – Monday, September 28, 5:00 AM
Only 1 lane
October 1-6 (Merksem viaduct demolition):
-
Thursday, October 1, 10:00 PM – Tuesday, October 6, 5:00 AM
Impact on Schijnpoortweg. More detailed information is still to follow.
Weekend of November 28-29 (opening of the northern Bypass toward Ghent/Brussels):
-
Saturday, November 28, 11:00 PM – Sunday, November 29, 6:00 AM
E19 connection to the Ring toward Ghent/Brussels fully closed, only 1 lane (near AFAS Dome)
What do you recommend if I'm driving?
- Leave with plenty of extra time.
- Consider an alternative mode of transport if possible.
- Coming to AFAS Dome? Check the be•at route planner for tailored, up-to-date travel advice.
- Coming to Lotto Arena? Follow the on-site signage or check Smart Ways to Antwerp; the be•at route planner isn't active for this venue yet.