When people think of Belgium, they might imagine waffles, chocolates, or beautiful medieval towns, but there’s something else about this small country that’s truly unique – Belgium has the most brightly lit highways in the entire world. Drive through the country at night and you’ll quickly notice how the roads seem to glow, stretching out like rivers of light through towns and countryside. Unlike many countries that only light small parts of their highways, Belgium chose to light up almost all of them. This decision was made many years ago and has become one of Belgium’s standout features, even showing up in satellite images from space.
The reason behind this massive lighting project wasn’t just to make things look nice. Belgium is plagued with long traffic lines and often deals with bad weather, including heavy fog and rain. These conditions can make driving dangerous, especially at night. So, lighting the roads was a smart way to help keep drivers safe. The bright highways improve visibility with road signs and lane markings, thereby reducing the chances of accidents.
People driving at night feel more confident, and they don’t have to suddenly slow down because of poor lighting. But safety isn’t the only reason Belgium’s roads are lit so well. The country sits in the middle of Europe and acts as a major route for goods traveling between France, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond. Trucks and delivery vehicles move through Belgium all the time, day and night. Having well-lit roads means these vehicles can keep going without delays, which helps businesses move things faster and more efficiently. This strong road system is one reason Belgium plays such a big role in Europe’s trade and transport network.
Of course, not everyone agrees with lighting all the roads. Some people worry about how much energy it uses and how the light affect animals and the environment. That’s why Belgium has started making changes. Many of the old lights are being replaced with modern LED lights that use less power. Some highways now have smart systems that dim or switch off lights when traffic is low. These updates are helping the country keep its roads bright without wasting energy.
Belgium’s glowing motorways show how even something simple like streetlights can make a big difference. They’ve helped keep roads safe, boosted the economy, and become a part of the country’s identity. And now, as Belgium looks for ways to be more eco-friendly, it’s proving that with the right ideas, progress and sustainability can go hand in hand.
