Closure of the E34 near Melsele over night from 8 to 9 October

We are currently reinforcing the high-voltage line (380kV) between Liefkenshoek and the Mercator high-voltage substation in Kruibeke as part of the Brabo III project. The electrical conductors have now been placed above the E34 motorway at the Melsele interchange.

The crane used for this operation will be removed overnight from 8 to 9 October. The motorway will therefore be closed from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am at Exit 9 in Melsele.

Construction of the high-voltage line

In August 2023, Elia began dismantling the existing high-voltage line (150 kV) between Liefkenshoek and the Mercator high-voltage substation in Kruibeke, with a view to rebuilding a new, reinforced high-voltage line (380 kV) in the same location.

By February 2025, most of the pylons had been erected and work had begun on attaching the power cables. We recently installed the electrical cables above the E34 motorway at the Melsele interchange. We had previously erected a safety crane to protect the motorway below. This crane will now be removed. The entire high-voltage line will be ready in spring 2026.

In order to remove the crane, the motorway will be closed in both directions at the Melsele interchange. Local traffic between Kallo and Beveren will also be diverted. This closure will take place overnight from Wednesday 8 to Thursday 9 October, from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am. We have opted for a complete closure, following consultation with the police, the Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer (Flemish Roads and Traffic Agency) and the neighbouring municipalities, in order to guarantee optimal safety. Traffic on the motorway will be diverted via the interchange. Local traffic will be diverted via the E34 and E17.

For further information on traffic disruptions, please visit the Vlaams Verkeerscentrum website