Three years of Leopold II tunnel repairs begin

Three years of renovation works on Brussels' longest road tunnel - Leopold II - have begun.

Since 1 May, the tunnel is closed nightly from Sunday to Thursday between 22.00 and 6.00. During July and August it will be inaccessible at all times.

Asbestos needs to be removed and 17 new emergency exits built to bring the tunnel into line with European fire safety standards. There will also be new lighting, signs, ventilation, cameras and structural repairs.

The Brussels region is footing the €460 million bill - half of which is for the renovation itself, and the other half for the tunnel's maintenance over the next 25 years.

Extra Stib services will run when the tunnel is closed completely over the summer - with the details due to be publicised in June.

The 2.6km Leopold II tunnel was built in 1986 to link Koekelberg basilica with the inner Brussels ring at Sainctelette.