This risk assessment examines the expected impact of the 145th Foire du Midi fair on mobility and local business operations in Brussels. The recurring urban event will lead to extended traffic diversions, public transport rerouting, and disruptions in supply chain logistics. The report serves as a planning aid for businesses, municipal services, and mobility-sensitive operations in the Brussels-Capital Region.
Introduction
The annual Foire du Midi fair, hosted along Boulevard du Midi in central Brussels, will commence on 19 July and continue until 24 August. Like previous large-scale public events, the fair will disrupt key road networks, especially along the Small Ring Road and areas near Gare du Midi.
What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Urban Fairground Events?
Recurring urban events, such as street fairs, festivals, or parades, bring both community value and significant operational complexity. Risk analysis helps assess the implications for mobility, delivery operations, customer access, and employee commuting, especially in dense urban centers like Brussels.
Executive Summary: Moderate Risk Level
- Date of Incident: 19 July – 24 August 2025
- Location: Boulevard du Midi and surrounding areas, Brussels, Belgium
- Risk Category: Travel Risks
- Severity Score: 3/5
- Confidence Level: 90%
Prolonged traffic diversions and rerouting of surface transport modes are expected in central Brussels. This will impact employee commutes, delivery schedules, and access to critical business premises in areas like Porte de Hal, Marolles, and Brussels-Midi.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
• Boulevard du Midi and surrounding intersections
• Gare du Midi (Zuidstation) – Brussels’ major railway station
• Porte de Hal, Arts et Métiers, and adjacent neighborhoods
• Commercial corridors and residential areas bordering the fair zone
Impact on Transportation and Services
- Roads: Closures along Boulevard du Midi and nearby streets
- Public Transport: Bus and tram lines rerouted; metro lines 2 and 6 may be impacted
- Utilities: Increased demand on waste, water, and power services
- Public Safety: Minor crowd risks and congestion near high-traffic nodes
Recommended Actions
• Encourage remote work and flexible shifts during peak congestion periods.
• Reroute delivery operations around Boulevard du Midi.
• Inform clients and partners of alternate routes or virtual meeting options.
• Monitor live updates via Brussels Mobility and STIB to coordinate operations.
• Ensure updated business continuity plans for mobility-dependent operations.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 101
- Fire Department: 112
- Ambulance: 112
- Brussels Mobility: https://mobilite-mobiliteit.brussels
- STIB/MIVB Public Transport: +32 (0)70 23 2000
- City of Brussels: +32 (0)2 279 22 11
Final Thoughts
Foire du Midi is a valued cultural event in Brussels, but its scale necessitates operational foresight. Businesses, logistics firms, and government agencies must proactively mitigate traffic-related disruptions to maintain normalcy in services and safety.
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