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Public road construction and roadworks sites

Construction sites can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass through. Therefore, fire and ambulance accessibility should be considered when planning works on public roads.

Alle info over dit onderwerp vindt u in deze PDF

Some of the documents are not available in this language. You can find them below in the available languages.

Which areas should remain accessible?

Under the guidelines of the Brussels-Capital Region, emergency services must always have adequate access:  

  • Keep a  clear traffic zone at least 3 metres wide: if the construction site is up to 20 metres long.
  • Keep a clear traffic zone at least 3.5 metres wide: if the construction site is between 20 and 50 metres long.
  • Keep a clear traffic zone at least 4 metres wide: if the construction site is longer than 50 metres.
  • Provide a sufficiently large turning radius for the ladder truck: an inner radius of 11 metres and an outer radius of 15 metres.
  • The boundary of the traffic zone may be located up to 10 metres from the façade line. 

The PDF at the top of this page provides more info on these rules (p. 14-17) as well as all technical features of the ladder truck (p. 18).  

Important concerns for construction site supervisors

  • Indicate house numbers at the entrance to a closed street.
  • Take traffic plans into account: if a street is made one-way for emergency services because of works or changes, notify the fire brigade.
  • Barriers serving as access points to site areas for the fire brigade should be marked as ‘fire-fighting access’.
  • Ensure barriers are neither attached nor locked together.
  • Do not make access slopes steeper than 20%.
  • Ensure an unobstructed passageway with a minimum width of 3.5 metres.
  • After the working day, ensure that no stored materials or machinery obstruct access.  

Refer to the PDF at the top of this page for full details, including:   

  • A detailed description of the regulations (p. 14-17)  

  • How to take into account the limitations of emergency vehicles (p. 18-19)

  • Learn more about requesting advice, including useful tips and considerations (p. 20-21)  

When is fire brigade advice mandatory?

Certain public works require approval or advice from the fire brigade. This is the case, for example, if:   

  • You cannot guarantee that the above minimum dimensions can be respected.
  • There are changes in the traffic plan that may interfere with emergency services (excluding alternate traffic).   

How to submit a request for advice

By completing the following form : 

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Public road construction and roadworks sites | Brussels-Capital Region