Traffic disruption expected on E17 between Sint-Niklaas and Kruibeke due to night-time dismantling work on the high-voltage line
Elia (the system operator) is currently reinforcing the high-voltage line (380 kV) between Liefkenshoek and the Mercator high-voltage substation in Kruibeke as part of the Brabo III project. Because of this work, the E17 at slip-road complex 15 and 16 in Sint-Niklaas and Kruibeke will be closed between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. on the night of 8 to 9 December 2023.
Dismantling high-voltage line
Elia has been dismantling the existing high-voltage line (150 kV) between Liefkenshoek and the Mercator high-voltage substation in Kruibeke since August 2023. It will be replaced with a new, reinforced high-voltage line (380 kV) at the same location. The project is currently under way in Haasdonk, where eight old conductors between two existing pylons are being detached, laid on the ground, and then pulled over the motorway (E17).
Heavy traffic disruption and diversions
Because the high-voltage line crosses the E17, the motorway will be temporarily closed in both directions between the Sint-Niklaas complex (15) and the Kruibeke complex (16) between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. on the night of 8 to 9 December 2023. The intermediate slip road at Haasdonk will be inaccessible as well. Elia has opted for a complete closure in consultation with the police and competent authorities, to ensure optimal safety while the work is being carried out.
Traffic travelling towards Antwerp will be diverted. It will join the N16 at exit 15 (Sint-Niklaas), continue on its way via the N70 towards Beveren and Melsele and then return to the E17 via the N419 at the Kruibeke slip-road complex. Traffic travelling towards Ghent will join the N419 at exit 16 (Kruibeke) and then rejoin the E17 in Sint-Niklaas via the Gewestweg at Temse.
Signs and diversions will be put in place to ensure that traffic flows smoothly and safely. The Flemish Traffic Centre requests long-distance traffic to avoid the E17 and take a different route.
For more information about current traffic disruptions, see Flemish Traffic Centre’s website.
