Antwerp (Eurotoday) – Residents of Bergen op Zoomlaan in Merksem report minimal noise from the bypass, opened this weekend to divert Antwerp ring road traffic while work on the new Oosterweel connection continues.
As VRT News reported, residents of Bergen op Zoomlaan in Merksem, Antwerp, say the new bypass has caused minimal noise. A meter-high barrier runs along the street. It separates homes from the temporary highway, built to divert traffic from the Antwerp ring road. The barrier is designed to absorb traffic sounds.
“It works well,”
says one resident.
“It’s a soft background hum, which you get used to pretty quickly.”
How are Bergen op Zoomlaan residents affected by the new bypass noise?
Residents also say the bypass will not change their neighbourhood much. The noise barrier works as planned and keeps the traffic sounds contained.
“We’re not far from the Antwerp ring road here. The traffic noise is no different now than it used to be,”
says another resident.
Many residents of Bergen op Zoomlaan in Merksem say the new bypass reduces noise, but they are unhappy with the look of the barriers. One resident said,
“I feel like I’m living in a prison. I’m glad they plan to plant greenery along it, because right now it looks very bleak.”
They hope plants or other landscaping will improve the appearance.
Some residents are also concerned about air quality.
“The noise isn’t a problem at all. My main concern is the air,”
said another local. Despite these worries, most people appreciate the bypass and the way it reduces traffic disturbances.
“Communication with Lantis (the project developer) is going well. Within eight years, the bypass will be removed, and we’ll have a beautiful park across from our house.”
Plans for a temporary bypass near Bergen op Zoomlaan in Merksem, Antwerp, were first announced in March 2024. The goal was to reduce traffic on the main ring road while major repairs were carried out. Construction of the bypass started in January 2025. By early October 2025, the road officially opened to traffic.
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