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.
Most closures only start around 22:00 to 23:00, once the event is already under way. The disruption is on the way home rather than on arrival. Where that is different, you will find it in the "Our advice" column.
From September 27 through October 6 there is disruption for cyclists and pedestrians as well. That is the only period when this applies.
Which works affect which event?
| Date | Event | Venue | What is happening | Our advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 18 | Pussycat Dolls | AFAS Dome | Deurne exit closed from 23:00 | Disruption on the way home, no impact on arrival |
| September 26 | Fortnite Global Championship | Lotto Arena | Varying lane restrictions on the Ring toward the Netherlands | Disruption on the way home in the evening |
| September 27 | Fortnite Global Championship | Lotto Arena | Lane restrictions from 21:00. Cyclists and pedestrians take a detour behind AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena, all day | Disruption on the way home by car. Arriving on foot or by bike, follow the signposted detour |
| October 4 | Harlem Globetrotters (15:00 and 19:00) | Lotto Arena | Schijnpoortweg fully closed in both directions under the Merksem viaduct, day and night | Disruption both on arrival and on the way home, including for the afternoon show |
| November 28 | De Grote Sinterklaasshow 2026 (10:00, 14:00 and 17:30) | AFAS Dome | Closure only starts at 23:00 | No concern, all shows end before the closure starts |
| November 28 | The Script | Lotto Arena | E19 connection toward Ghent and Brussels closed from 23:00 | Disruption on the way home after 23:00, no impact on arrival |
Full schedules per period
Below are the exact times. For most visitors, the table above is enough.
Weekend of September 18 to 21: opening of the Deurne exit underpass
- Friday September 18, 23:00 to Monday September 21, 05:00: Deurne exit closed, detour via Merksem.
- Friday September 18, 22:00 to Saturday September 19, 05:00: E313 connection to the Ring toward the Netherlands closed, detour via Berchem.
- Saturday September 19, 22:30 to Sunday September 20, 05:30: only 2 lanes on the Ring toward the Netherlands, near Antwerpen-Oost.
Weekend of September 25 to 28: opening of the eastern Bypass toward the Netherlands
- Saturday September 26, 21:00 to 22:00: 2 lanes on the Ring toward the Netherlands.
- Saturday September 26, 22:00 to Sunday September 27, 10:00: only 1 lane.
- Sunday September 27, 21:00 to Monday September 28, 05:00: only 1 lane.
September 27 to October 6: demolition of the Merksem viaduct above Schijnpoortweg
- Sunday September 27, 05:00 to Thursday October 1, 22:00: preparatory demolition work above the bike path and sidewalk. Car traffic continues, cyclists and pedestrians take a detour behind AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena.
- Thursday October 1, 22:00 to Monday October 5, 05:00: Schijnpoortweg fully closed in both directions under the Merksem viaduct. Local car traffic is diverted via Brug van den Azijn, Groenendaallaan, Noorderlaan and Slachthuislaan, or via Noordersingel, Turnhoutsebaan, Lakborslei and Bisschoppenhoflaan. Cyclists and pedestrians take the detour behind AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena.
- Monday October 5, 05:00 to Tuesday October 6, 05:00: Schijnpoortweg closed toward Antwerp city center. Local car traffic is diverted via Brug van den Azijn, Groenendaallaan, Noorderlaan and Slachthuislaan, or via Lakborslei, Turnhoutsebaan and Noordersingel. Cyclists and pedestrians take the detour behind AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena.
Work continues day and night during this period, to keep the impact on traffic as short as possible.
Weekend of November 28 to 29: opening of the northern Bypass toward Ghent and Brussels
- Saturday November 28, 23:00 to Sunday November 29, 06:00: E19 connection to the Ring toward Ghent and Brussels fully closed, only 1 lane near AFAS Dome.
Are you coming on foot or by bike?
Between Sunday September 27 at 05:00 and Tuesday October 6 at 05:00, the bike path and sidewalk along Schijnpoortweg under the Merksem viaduct are unavailable.
During that period you reach AFAS Dome and Lotto Arena via a detour behind the two venues. The detour is signposted on site. Allow a few extra minutes.
What do you recommend if I come by car?
- Leave in good time and allow extra travel time.
- Where possible, choose public transportation or another way to travel.
- Coming to AFAS Dome? Check the be•at route planner for up-to-date travel advice.
- Coming to Lotto Arena? Follow the signs on site or check the Smart Ways to Antwerp route planner. The be•at route planner is not yet active for this venue.
Where can I find the official information about these works?
Lantis, the client for the Oosterweelverbinding project, publishes all planned disruption on the Oosterweelverbinding news page. Dates and times may change due to bad weather or technical problems.