E40 at Bertem: planned 10–11 October closure and freight preparation
A closure of the E40 in Belgium is planned for bridge installation. How to coordinate the route, unloading slot and time allowance for an October shipment.
Author: GreenTrans Group Editorial Team
AI illustration: a fictional road construction site, not a photograph of the Bertem bridge or a diversion map.
What was announced and for which dates
On 11 September, the Flemish road agency announced the planned installation of a new arch bridge over the E40 at Bertem. Traffic in both directions will be closed for the operation from 20:00 on Saturday, 10 October 2026. The restriction concerns the work site on the route between Brussels and Liege, rather than the entire E40.
Traffic is scheduled to resume on Sunday, 11 October. The 11 September announcement says shortly after noon, while the restrictions page states 12:00. The earlier estimate should not be treated as a guaranteed reopening time. All times here are local Belgian time.
How to account for the diversion
The project page specifies a diversion via Brusselse- and Leuvensesteenweg (N2) for this closure. The latest announcement warns of pressure on surrounding roads and recommends avoiding the E40 and the work area where possible.
Editorial advice: ask the carrier whether the planned passage through Bertem falls within the closure period. Compare the full journey time to the warehouse, including stops and receiving arrangements, rather than additional kilometres alone. There is no single extra time or cost that applies to every shipment.
What to coordinate with the carrier and warehouse
Provide loading and unloading addresses, preferred receiving windows, package count, cargo weight and dimensions. Ask whether departure or the warehouse slot can be moved if the chosen route is affected. Agree who will notify the consignee when the estimated arrival time changes.
For refrigerated cargo, agree the acceptable waiting time and temperature monitoring in advance. For dangerous or oversized cargo, check the suitability of the alternative route separately: a general diversion does not replace checking vehicle restrictions and shipment conditions.
For a groupage shipment, a change to one road section may require adjustments to the onward delivery connection. Agree a buffer between the truck's arrival and the next warehouse stage in advance, especially when the consignee has fixed opening hours.
Check again before departure
The project page describes the bridge installation as a planned operation; opening the new bridge and reopening the E40 are different stages. This review was published on 13 September using information available on that date. Before an October trip, check the Hinder E40 section and the road agency's latest information again.
When requesting a quote, specify the shipment date and how flexible the unloading window is. This helps the parties discuss a route for the particular shipment and agree how changes will be communicated, instead of relying on an earlier journey time through this section.
Frequently asked questions
Is the closure already in effect?
No. This is an announced plan for 10–11 October 2026. The event date of 11 September refers to the road agency's announcement, not the start of the closure.
Is the N2 diversion suitable for every type of cargo?
No. The general diversion specified by the road agency must be checked for the particular vehicle and cargo. Route suitability for oversized or dangerous goods requires separate coordination.
Can unloading be booked immediately after noon on 11 October?
Agree the delivery timing with the carrier and warehouse. The official pages give different reopening estimates, and the completion time remains a plan.
Sources and reference materials
- Announcement of bridge installation on 10 October, published 11 September 2026 — Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer
- E40 at Bertem: traffic restrictions and diversion — Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer
- New arch bridge project in Bertem — Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer
Rules and rates change. Before shipping, check the latest versions of the documents and the requirements for the specific goods, route and date.
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