Monitoring temporary diversions

By deploying a network of citizen-operated traffic counters across the affected areas, the municipal authority can simultaneously monitor traffic volumes, speeds, and transport modes at multiple locations. This comprehensive visibility enables authorities to distinguish between traffic diversion—where regional through-traffic follows the designated detour routes—and problematic spillover effects into residential streets not designed for increased traffic pressure. 

The demolition of the arch bridge and its reconstruction as a bowstring bridge over the E40 in Bertem (work commissioned by Agentschap Wegen Verkeer) perfectly illustrates this application. Since January 3, 2026, the Tervuursesteenweg has been completely closed for demolition works, with disruption throughout the entire month of January. This closure of a crucial connecting road between Leuven and Tervuren creates a complex monitoring challenge: the local authority must verify whether long-distance traffic is effectively following the planned detours via the E40 and Brussels Ring Road, while simultaneously tracking adaptations in local traffic patterns.

"Thanks to traffic counts, we can now communicate with our residents using concrete data, rather than relying on subjective impressions. After a week and a half of work, we were already able to demonstrate that the diversions are being followed effectively and identify where problems are arising. This transparency and data-driven approach are crucial to maintaining the trust of our citizens during these large-scale infrastructure works." Joël Vander Elst, Mayor of Bertem

Without adequate data provision, the municipality would face weeks or months of uncertainty about the actual traffic impact, with delayed responses to emerging problems and difficulties communicating objectively with concerned residents. However, Telraam measurements in Bertem offer a solution: real-time data from residential streets such as Dorpstraat, Kuipersberg, and Boskee provide immediate feedback on the effectiveness of the detours.

After a week and a half, Bertem's mobility team was able to conduct an initial evaluation based on concrete figures. The data showed that traffic pressure on the Tervuursesteenweg had been halved—confirmation that the regional detour is being followed. At the same time, increases became visible on the detour routes: a factor of 3.5 on certain sections of Dorpstraat, a factor of 2.5 on Kuipersberg. Crucially, unexpected problems also quickly came to light, such as freight traffic getting stuck on Kuipersberg and excessive speeds on certain sections.

The Bertem case demonstrates how hyperlocal traffic monitoring helps municipal authorities manage the inevitable disruption of essential infrastructure maintenance, while simultaneously protecting quality of life in residential areas and maintaining citizen trust through transparency and data-driven communication.

Photo credits: Telraam