History

Belgium, as a densely populated crossroads, has always had a very dense road network. During the 1800s, national routes were built radiating out from Brussels and many were arrow-straight. During the 1930s, early motorway construction was considered along the lines of early American and German designs. Pierre Christophe, the director of the Belgian Government Roadworks, suggested construction of 5 motorways connecting major cities. After government wrangling, the first "Autosnelweg" (literally Car-fast-way in Dutch) began construction on April 6, 1937 between Brussels and Oostende.

World War 2 changed any plans for the Belgian road system, and after the war was over the country had lost almost 2000 km of trafficable roadway to bombing and war. Belgium changed plans and, with Marshall Plan aid, concocted a new motorway scheme to better tie the road network in with the rest of Europe. The country's motorway plan of 1950 called for 930 km of roads to be built in 15 years. In 1954 the E40/A10 was completed from Wetteren to Jabbeke, followed by the E40/A10 from Brussels to Oostende. Due to the financial burden, the 1950 plan was mostly completed only in 1972. Motorway construction in Belgium continues unabated, giving the country an even denser network every day.

Since 1962, infrastructure construction in Belgium has been divided into three distinct zones: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. Each region has different standards and construction methods when constructing roads and bridges. One could easily make the comparison between different American or Australian states with regards to how roads are signed and built.

Both Flanders and Wallonia have approximately 900 km of motorway each.

Map showing Belgium's A-road system along with major R-roads. (Click the thumbnail for a larger image)

Current State

Belgium has a very dense and up-to-date motorway system. Most are 3 lanes in each direction and very well lit. In fact, Belgian highways are considered the best lit in the world and the country pioneered the use of high-mast lighting for roadways. Brussels, especially the R0 Ring, remains a traffic nightmare.

Numbering System

Belgium has A-roads, B-roads, R-roads, N-roads, T-roads, and secondary N-roads or Provincial Routes. A-roads are motorways which connect major cities and international destinations. These are not always built as limited access facilites, and may include traffic lights and grade crossings. B-roads usually are expressway quality, and are short link routes between other points. R-roads are rings around major cities, the most famous of which being the R0 Brussels Ring. N-roads can have motorway characteristics and grade-separated interchanges but for the most part are 2 lane roads connecting secondary cities and towns. Provincial Routes are very rarely signposted, and connect smaller towns and villages.

E-roads play an important part in the Belgian numbering scheme and are well signed. A-road numbers radiate out from Brussels in a clockwise motion, and A-road numbers from 10 and up radiate out from Antwerp in the same way. N-roads form something of a web, with many converging on Brussels. Provincial roads are usually numbered according to which N-road they are nearest to.