Engineering consultancy federation calls Brussels roads “disastrous”

The maintenance of Belgium's roads, tunnels, bridges and viaducts is practically non-existent, and the situation in Brussels is even "disastrous", according to ORI, the sectoral organisation of engineering and consultancy firms in Belgium. Flanders is doing slightly better, said the federation in news programme Het Journaal.

"The situation in Brussels is truly appalling,” said ORI chairman Jan Bosschem. “There is no maintenance done unless something really bad happens. In Wallonia it's the same thing; There are huge potholes in the motorways."

While the road infrastructure in Flanders is in a better state, according to ORI, the region could nevertheless do with additional budget, as the current investment of €350 million for the maintenance of its bridges and roads is not enough, say the engineers.

Bosschem is in favour of a system whereby the motorist pays for the maintenace of the road network. "If the state does not have the money, then it should follow the example of some other countries, where the users pay."