From March 23, 2026, a part of the Zuid-Willemsvaart, between Kardinaal van Rossumplein and Tolbrugstraat, will be closed to cars. Only buses and emergency services are allowed to drive here. Traffic that does not need to visit the city center will now drive via the main roads around the city center.

This reduces traffic congestion in the city center and makes the broad city center more accessible for those who really need to be there. The city center and all parking garages remain accessible, but possibly via a different route. This closure is also called a cut-off. At the end of 2024, the city council already approved the plans.

Alderman Roy Geers: “With this measure, we want to keep the city center accessible. For cars, bicycles, buses, and also for pedestrians. That is important for the proper functioning of the city center. Because we see that the city center will grow significantly in width in the coming years. The pressure on that broad city center is increasing. And then it must remain an attractive city center for everyone. For entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors.”

What changes on the street?

The new traffic situation will be indicated with traffic signs and monitored with a camera. The cut-off goes into effect on Monday, March 23, 2026. Until June 1, 2026, we warn road users. From June 1, fines will be imposed. Then a fine of €139 applies to those who still drive there.

Why this measure?

This cut-off is an important step in a broader approach for a livable, hospitable, and accessible broad city center. During the redesign of the Kanaalboulevard (from the Citadel along the Zuid-Willemsvaart to Sluis 0), through traffic was already discouraged. This was done, among other things, by the 30 km/h zone, bike lanes, the closure of the Oliemolensingel from Brugplein, and the addition of extra greenery.

Attention to surroundings, entrepreneurs, and accessibility

The area around the Zuid-Willemsvaart is in full development in the coming years. With both long-term projects and short-term works in Tolbrugstraat and surroundings and at Sluis 0.

Alderman Roy Geers: “That now a part of the Zuid-Willemsvaart is closed will certainly take some getting used to. We try to guide this as well as possible. We continue to talk with entrepreneurs to monitor the effects well. To prevent rat-running in surrounding neighborhoods, we take measures. We do this in consultation with residents. And furthermore, we ensure good signage to the parking garages.”

Information

In the coming period, we will use this time to inform residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors well. We do this, among other things, with letters, traffic signs, and parking direction signs. We also ensure that navigation apps are updated on time so that routes are correct.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the Kanaalboulevard page.