Sinkhole disrupts trams 7 and 25 in Etterbeek

Commuters in Brussels who use tram lines 7 and 25 should expect delays this week, as trams cannot run between Meiser and Pétillon because of a collapsed road surface.

Vivaqua is carrying out emergency repairs after a sinkhole caused by a burst water main appeared on Boulevard Louis Schmidt, next to Pétillon metro station, last Wednesday.

The water firm had to wait two days for the road to dry before repairs could begin. The mains water supply to local properties is unaffected.

Vivaqua had hoped to complete the job at the weekend, before Monday's back-to-school rush, but the works will now continue until at least Wednesday or Thursday.

A replacement shuttle bus is running from Meiser to Pétillon, via Montgomery, until further notice, public transport operator Stib said.

"Big disruption is to be expected," Stib warned. "Use other metro, tram and bus lines where possible."