Every summer, it's a bit of the same ritual: the suitcases are ready, the playlist is too... then come the roadworks. And this year, drivers in Hauts-de-France will have to deal with several major construction projects on the main routes around Lille. The most spectacular will be the A1, which will be completely closed in one direction for nearly two weeks. But that's not the only area where you'll need to take it easy.
The A1, the XXL construction project of summer
This is THE big deal of summer 2026. From August 2 to 14, the A1 will be completely closed in the direction of Paris → Lille, between Dourges and Carvin. For twelve days, it will be impossible to use this stretch, day or night. The goal: to completely redo the roadway, a colossal project that will require nearly 30,000 tons of asphalt and represents an investment of 5 million euros.
The Interdepartmental Road Direction (DIR Nord) has purposely chosen this period, traditionally a bit quieter, to avoid the usual rush during the weekend of August 15th. Nevertheless, slowdowns are likely to be frequent on alternative routes.
Detours are planned... but make sure to allow some extra time
To reach Lille, the DIR recommends taking A26 or A21, followed by RN47 and RN41. Motorists heading to Belgium will also be affected, with traffic shifts expected on several major regional roads. In other words, if you're hitting the road during this time, it’s best to plan your route in advance... and leave a bit earlier than usual.
Construction starts as early as July
Even before the full closure in August, restrictions are already scheduled on the A1. Until July 30th, night works will reduce traffic to one lane between 2.
1 am and 5 am. Several ramps will also be temporarily closed, especially around Delta 3, Oignies, Libercourt, and the connections between A21 and A1. If you regularly drive in the area, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your GPS.Other highways will also be affected
A1 isn't the only highway getting some work this summer. On A22, between Lille and Belgium, construction is planned near Mouvaux. No complete closures are announced, but some lanes will be closed. The same goes for A23, between Lille and Valenciennes, where safety barriers will be replaced near Hasnon, Raismes, and Saint-Amand. Traffic will still be flowing, but reduced to one lane for several weeks. Over on A26, a project is scheduled from August 17 to September 25 near Thérouanne. Only certain lanes and a ramp will be closed.
The Lille ring road is also under scrutiny
Disruptions won't just stop at the highways.The RN356, which is the ring road around Lille, is also undergoing work until July 26. Good news: the closures only happen at night, between 9 PM and 6 AM, to minimize the impact on daily traffic.
Bonbon's Tip
We all know that no one wants to kick off their vacation stuck in a traffic jam. If you’re planning to leave between the end of July and mid-August, take five minutes to check your route before hopping in the car. With detours, ramp closures, and the A1 cutoff, this little habit might save you… a lot more than just five minutes.