Brussels is facing a growing challenge in maintaining its regional road network, as current funding levels fall far short of what’s needed for adequate repairs. A recent report reveals the region spent just €3.2 million on resurfacing last year, despite estimates suggesting a €10 million annual investment is required to keep roads in good condition. This shortfall is prompting concerns about the long-term state of Brussels’ infrastructure and prompting questions for the Brussels Mobility Minister.
The Brussels region spent just 3.2 million euros ($3.47 million) on resurfacing its regional roads last year, according to a report Tuesday in De Standaard. This is considerably less than the amount needed to adequately maintain the city’s infrastructure.
To keep approximately 800 kilometers (497 miles) of regional roads in good condition, officials say at least 10% should be resurfaced annually. That level of maintenance requires an annual budget of around 10 million euros ($10.86 million).
Funding for road maintenance has been declining in recent years. While approximately 11 million euros ($11.92 million) was allocated to road repairs in 2022 – excluding sidewalks and bike paths – that figure dropped to around 6.4 million euros ($6.93 million) in 2023. Last year’s budget for resurfacing specifically plummeted to 3.2 million euros ($3.47 million). The trend is expected to continue this year, with an estimated budget of around 4 million euros ($4.34 million).
These figures were revealed in a response from Brussels Mobility Minister Elke Van den Brandt (Groen) to questions from Brussels parliament member Benjamin Dalle (CD&V).
Van den Brandt acknowledged that Brussels currently lacks the resources to properly maintain its roads. She also stated that the prolonged period of government formation in Brussels “certainly has an influence on the situation.”
