top of page
The Museum
of Road Signs and Signals
and street lighting
La signalisation lumineuse
belge illustrée
Welcome to this part of our website... This page is dedicated to Belgium through its illuminated road signs.
Socal-Light
Solupla
Let's explore Belgium through the photos of Robin Stappaerts and P.-A Michel. We've decided to present the country's three regions using backlit panels.
Motorway A12, Havenweg
Dutch-speaking region.
Sign placed in 1973, removed in 2018. It was located on the "Havenweg", built by the E3 intermunicipal company. It was originally an expressway equipped with traffic lights. In 1993, this road was extended as far as Holland, and took on the dimensions of the A12 motorway. This sign has been maintained and a black cover has been placed on the left-hand side of the sign since the crossroads has disappeared.
M1
Motorway E42/A27, Lambermont
French-speaking region.
Signs installed in 1982. They are located at the Lambermont interchange in the Verviers region. This set is very interesting because it only shows motorway signs - everything is green! We're not far from the German-speaking region, as can be seen from the names of the towns displayed.
M2
Motorway A12, Zandvliet
Dutch-speaking region.
This sign probably dates from 1994-95 and has lost its sticker. It is not fitted with fluorescent tubes but with metal halide spotlights, as can be seen from the lower blue band. Note that "Douanekantoor NL" has been obscured because the customs office no longer exists (the black adhesive has faded). Another unusual feature is that this is the last illuminated Belgian sign on the A12 before reaching Holland.
M3
Motorway E19-E42, Ville-sur-Haine
French-speaking region.
The label is incomplete; this sign dates from 1975. Before the roads were renumbered in 1985, this sign bore the road number E10/E41. What's more, the "A30" does not exist... It was planned towards Maubeuge (whose name you can guess above "Mons Est"), but never built. So the "E30" doesn't exist; however, if you turn right, you'll find yourself on the R50, all around Mons. The font is also a little surprising, with finer letters and shorter town names. Finally, Paris is 250 kilometres away, which shows the international vocation of this motorway.
M4
Motorway E19-E42, Hautrage
French-speaking region.
What could be more beautiful than a fully illuminated sign! It dates from 1974 and was dismantled at the end of 2022, beginning of 2023. So we can safely say that this sign was in good working order for almost 48 years! In 1985, road numbering was changed: the visible "E42" replaced an original "E41". You can guess the seal around the new number.
M5
Motorway link E40-E25, Liège
French-speaking region.
In the Cointe tunnel section, the E40-E25 link between Liège and Brussels is equipped with 7 crossings between the Brussels and Ardennes traffic lanes, and in the opposite direction. Each opening is fitted with this beautiful backlit F61 Callier signal. What makes it special is that the hatch for servicing the fluorescent tubes is located behind the box, against the concrete wall. We don't know if this signal was ever lit. These signs were installed when the tunnel was opened in 2000.
M6
Motorway E40, exit 50 Eynatten
M7
German-speaking region.
On the RN68, at junction 50 with the E40 motorway, there is this sign. It's on a gallows and dates from 1981. Note the city of Liège printed in French and German. The E40 motorway symbol is in a darker green. It was placed on this sign in 1986, following the change in road numbering (formerly E5). "N86" was also added at the same time.
Motorway E40, Kraainem
Dutch-speaking region.
The Evere-Steerebeek section of the E40 opened in 1971. This very large and beautiful road sign was removed in early 2023. It is surprisingly large! The original numbering was "E5" instead of "E40" (modified in 1985).
M8
Motorway E42, Sankt-Vith-Winterspelt
German-speaking region.
The visible emergency call sign is out of order. The "N646" cartouche is free-standing, which is rare on this type of motorway sign. This sign replaces an older Solupla sign dating from 1984. It mentions an exit 1000 metres away, whereas this type of sign is usually positioned 800 metres upstream.
M9
Motorway E19-A7, Nivelles-Nord, exit 19
Ceci n'est pas
l'étiquette originale.
French-speaking region.
Sign produced by Callier in 1972. Note the fine font, whereas the motorway number is in large type. This is to be expected, as the motorway number was introduced after 1985 following a change in road numbering. Interesting photo, let's take a closer look at the background...
M10
... This background has a nice surprise in store for us: two Callier panels probably installed after 1985. What's admirable is that the panel on the left is entirely green, which is rare. Usually, to indicate a motorway destination, the sign is blue and there is a green inlay for the specific indication.
M10
N49, Bassevelde
M14
Dutch-speaking region.
We are in Flanders, on the N49 expressway. Of the more than 25 junctions that existed in 1983, only 3 remain in 2023. The signs shown in this photo have disappeared. They date from 1981. The "N49" cartouche replaced the "N617" and dates from the mid-1980s. Note the grey colour of the panels' casings, a colour specific to the north of the country; in the south, the predominant colour was "fir green".
N64, Huy
French-speaking region.
The town of Huy is crossed by the N64. As you approach the crossroads leading to the motorway, this large 1977 Callier sign hangs from this bracket. Note the rusty state of the mast. The lane numbering was changed after 1985. In 1977, the identification of the motorway leading to Liège was not mentioned.
M15
Motorway E42, exit Sankt Vith
German-speaking region.
We are on the E42 motorway, coming from Germany. This sign announces exit 15 Sankt-Vith. It was produced by the Luxembourg company Solupla in 1984, and is located as usual 800 metres before the exit. The bilingual lettering is an immediate eye-catcher. "Luxemb(o)urg", an original solution to avoid too long an inscription. "E42" and "N62" replace "A27" and "N26" (1985).
M16
N63, Boncelles
M1
M19
N689, motorway E25, exit 42 Beaufays-Tilff
M18
French-speaking region.
On the N63 at Boncelles (km 5.1), this unit was installed at the entrance to the main junction with the N663. It dates from 1990 and was manufactured by Solupla. Although the road numbering is original, you can see that the "CHU de Liège" sign has been corrected. It probably replaced another indication such as "H ULg". This set is irregularly lit.
French-speaking region.
Very nice set of signals installed in 1977 (manufacturer: Solupla). Still functional in 2023, although the colours are gradually fading. This combination is not very common in the Liège region. There were two identical sets for this dangerous bend. The other was dismantled around 2021.
N59, Seneffe
French-speaking region.
We are in Seneffe, at Km 0.7 of the RN59. This Solupla sign dates from 1975. Note the correction of the motorway number "E19" which dates from 1985. The "autoroute" pictogram is to the right of the inscriptions, which is normal as the direction is to the right. If the sign had directed the user to the left, the pictogram would have been on the left.
M20
Ring 23 et N 251, Leuven
Dutch-speaking region.
All the junctions on the Leuven Ring (R23) have been equipped with internally illuminated signs. These panels were manufactured by Solupla in 1984. Admire the different styles and the fact that this assembly is attached directly to a lighting pole. This signage disappeared at the beginning of 2021.
M23
Motorway E313, motorway junction from Vottem
French-speaking region.
In 2009, this large sign was still legible. It has since deteriorated, perhaps as a result of sunlight and/or one of the products used in its manufacture. It dates from 1980. A reinforcement has been placed to prevent the printed side from falling off. Note the changes that have been made, which are still legible (E313 for A13). The distance shown is in retroreflective film. This sign was still in place in October 2023.
M21
N 63, exit Ougrée
French-speaking region.
Nationale 63, km 0.7. This large sign was installed in 1983. Note the very tall mast under the bridge. The face is original and was not modified in 1985 as it does not include a road number. However, this sign refers traffic to the N90. Its maintenance is a little unusual because of its position in space.
M27
Motorway E40, Groot-Gijgaarden
Dutch-speaking region.
On the E40, at Groot-Gijgaarden, coming from the coast, users have a choice of destinations clearly indicated by this huge gantry, manufactured by Socal-Light in 1986. The interchange is equipped with several identical gantries.
M28
Motorway E314, Holsbeek
Dutch-speaking region.
This notice sign dates from 1984 and was manufactured by Socal-Light. At the end of the 90s, the number "E314" appeared to replace the old "A2". In October 2018, it was replaced by a classic reflective sign (which can be seen in the foreground of the photo).
M29
Motorway E25, exit 47 Stoumont Harzé
French-speaking region.
Incomplete set. It was still complete in 2019. Upon observation, it was noted that the old "Stoumont" sign had been bent since 2009. This set dates from 1984 and was manufactured by Solupla. There has only ever been one "N30a" cartouche on the mast. We believe that the illuminated Stoumont sign has been dismantled and replaced by a conventional retro-reflective sign.
M31
N579, Marchienne-au-Pont
French-speaking region.
This sign is located in Marchienne-au-Pont, on the N579. This sign was manufactured by Solupla in 1976. The numbering of the roads has been changed, except for the A54, which has kept its original number. At the end of 2023, this sign was still in place. Note the rust on the two masts.
M33
Motorway E25, exit 40 Embourg
French-speaking region.
Exit 40 "Embourg" on the E25 motorway (formerly E9) was the very first to be opened in 1977 (along with Tilff and Cortil). All the illuminated Solupla signage also dates from 1977. Between 2009 and 2013, the crossroads with the old local road (rue P. Henvard) was turned into a roundabout and all the illuminated signage was removed, except for this beautiful sign. It no longer works, but is still in place in 2023.
M35
This 1977 sign has lost its rear panel since at least June 2013. It was replaced by a bin bag! This is still the case in 2023 and the sign still works, at least partially.
M35
Some of the illuminated signage was replaced with Solupla equipment in 1988. Here is a fine example. The large white sign previously read "Université Sart-Tilman". The new models are recognisable because, among other things, they are deeper than the 1977 originals.
For your information, the Exit 40 complex consisted of:
-2 very large warning signs (dismantled in 2000).
-2 large exit notice signs (gallows).
-1 notice sign on gallows on the RN 633.
-1 warning sign on masts on the RN 633.
-3 medium white signs.
-35 arrows.
-6 "cartouches" (numbering).
-17 police signs.
This represented approximately 10,000 watts of consumption.
M35
N49a, Antwerpen (Anvers)
Dutch-speaking region.
It was at the entrance to the Waaslantunnel (1933) in Antwerp that this ensemble was installed in 1976 (Socal-Light). This beautiful ensemble was dismantled in 2018 during redevelopment work on the site.
M38
A601, motorway junction E313-E40 Liège
M36
French-speaking region.
The A601 junction between the E313 and the E40 was abandoned in 2014. Nature has reclaimed its rights... This sign dates from 2008 and is fitted with metal halide lamps (1200 watts). The metal halide technology comes from the company Socal-Light, although this sign was manufactured by another firm (Consulting Management Technology). This link no longer exists on Google maps.
N633-N680, Angleur
French-speaking region.
Nice set of panels in Angleur, manufactured by Solupla in 1982-83. Surprisingly, there are two dates on all the panels in the area. What's more, this panel has been damaged (back in 2009) and the tip has been repainted by hand. This explains why, once lit, the arrow is no longer visible.
M39
N55-N57, Soignies
French-speaking region.
These arrangements of illuminated arrows are located at the intersection of the N55 and N57 at Zinnik (Soignies). They date from 1977 and were made by the company Callier of Nazareth.
The sign on the left shows two destinations one below the other, which is quite rare.
You can also see the old type of post (with the characteristic bulge at the bottom of the post). As for the rest, the rust has done its job...
RO, Beersel
Dutch-speaking region.
Here we see two remarkable arrows at the Beersel exit (Brussels Ring Road, R0). They date from shortly after the opening of this ring road, in 1973 to be precise. Both panels were manufactured by Socal-Light. The first thing that strikes you is that the kilometre distances are shown. This is unusual for this type of sign. What's more, they are produced in a different shade of green (darker green). Finally, the suspension on the post is also special.
N912, Saint-Denis
French-speaking region.
This curious set is located at Saint-Denis (Province of Namur) in a rather dangerous bend. We have no information on the manufacturer or the year of installation. However, the flashing signal is fitted with LEDs, and the illuminated sign was still in operation in January 2024.
Crossroads N4-N904, Bovesse
French-speaking region.
These illuminated signs no longer exist (to be dismantled in December 2023). It is surprising to see an "N904" cartouche with no associated localities. In 2009, this sign was already in this configuration. To find out what the indications are, you need to look at the sign on the other side: St-Servais and Rhisnes are listed. It is possible that the manufacturer was Solupla, but we have no information about the year (probably around 1970).
Crossroads N91-N25, Hamme-Mille
French-speaking region.
This is a splendid set combining illuminated signs and traffic signals. Solupla is the probable manufacturer. Dating is difficult, given the lack of information on the panels. Nevertheless, our observations could date these signs to before 1974, and they were still present at this crossroads in 2022.
Crossroads N6-E19, Mons
French-speaking region.
This astonishing sign disappeared after 2009 in Mons. It's the backs that are intriguing... In fact, the central face has been reconditioned from another panel and repainted... with the number "6" upside down! Look closely!
N4-Rue du Centre Nassogne crossroads
French-speaking region.
This beautiful multi-directional complex is located on the N4, at the crossroads with the Rue du Centre, towards Grune. The installation is surprising, as the Rue du Centre is not a major traffic artery. Note the damage to this signage: the "Grune 2" sign was damaged in 2023, while the "Bastogne 33" sign was damaged in 2021.
French-speaking region.
Also at this junction, we spotted this unusual configuration of the "Grune 2" sign. This photo comes from Google Maps, and was taken in 2010. The illuminated "give way" sign, with its face erased, has been replaced by a conventional retro-reflective G2000 sign.
N89 and N83 junction, Beaubru
French-speaking region.
These illuminated directional signs were probably installed at the junction of the N89 and N83 at Beaubru (province of Luxembourg) around 1975 by Callier (Nazareth). The same is true of the directional arrow. In 2023, although they were still partly present at the crossroads, they had been extinguished. The administration is planning to replace them with G2000 signs.
Grand-Bigard roundabout
Dutch-speaking region.
Until the construction of the huge Grand-Bigard interchange (opened to traffic in 1986), there was a large roundabout from which the various motorways left. This explains the configuration of the arrows on the sign.
It certainly dates from before 1972 (use of the old police force). On 29/10/1971, the first section of the E10 (Bxl - Antwerp) Zemst-Rumst was opened. This is why we think it can be placed in 1971.
Photo taken on 18 November 1973 during one of the car-free Sundays.
Roundabout N544, N550, R5 at Cuesmes
French-speaking region.
We are along the R5 in the Mons region, in Cuesmes to be precise. The junction of the N544, N550 and the R5 is a roundabout. This was probably not always the case. There are some old illuminated signs, abandoned on the side of the road. These signs no longer bear any relation to the existing road layout. We have no information about their surprising location.
N11, Kapelsesteenweg, Brasschaat
Dutch-speaking region.
This set of arrows dates from the opening of the E19 (formerly E10) Kleine-Bareel - Breda motorway on 17/1/1972. The photo was taken on 4/6/2003 from one of the two access roads to Brasschaat (N11 Kapelsesteenweg).
Note the use of the old font. Look closely at this photo: there is an illuminated cycle path sign D7 in the background... Fabulous!
E17, Rekkem customs complex
Dutch-speaking region.
This illuminated "triangle on a point" sign was located on the E17 (formerly the E3) at Rekkem, more precisely at the customs post (border with France). It dates from 1972 and was dismantled in February 2024. It was manufactured by Socallight.
N205, Brussels
Brussels-Capital Region.
This photo was taken in July 2018, and these signs were still there in 2024. What catches the eye is the unusual shape of the mast, which is curved to provide better support for the signs. Several identical masts have been installed at this junction (Schuman roundabout, Brussels). The manufacturer has not been identified, but the MuSé thinks it was Callier. The date of manufacture is not visible either, although it may have been in the early 1970s.
N618, Bassenge
French-speaking region.
This illuminated sign dates from 1974 and is located near the Glons/Bassenge interchange on the E313. It shows the marks of the work carried out in 1985 when the roads and motorways were renumbered. The MuSé's illuminated signage expert recreated this sign with the original numbering between 1974 and 1985.
N93, Sombreffe
French-speaking region.
Take a close look at this illuminated sign photographed on 30 January 2020. The ‘N273’ sign was not changed in 1985, as the road number has remained unchanged. However, we can clearly see the ‘E42’ and ‘N93’ changes that were made to this sign.
Kerksraat, Nijlen
Flemish region.
This beautiful double-sided F59b signal was found in Nijlen (province of Antwerp). It was discovered in August 2024 and research shows it in 2009 at this location. It is probably fitted with two 15-watt fluorescent tubes and has a side access hatch. The manufacturer and date are unknown, but it's highly likely that Socal-Light is the company behind this illuminated signal.
Markt, Berlaar
Flemish Region.
We have no information on the date or manufacturer of these direction signs. They are made of plexiglass and fitted with fluorescent tubes. They are double-sided and access appears to be from the side. They no longer work and are mounted on a support that is also very old.
N653, Cheratte
French-speaking region.
1985-86: major changes to all road and motorway numbering in Belgium. The road signs were ‘corrected’ by the administration. On this illuminated sign from 1974, inserts were placed with a rubber seal. Curiously, the new number of the national road (N653) does not appear and the old one is replaced by a simple blue insert.
N646-E42 interchange, Sankt Vith/Saint-Vith
German-speaking region.
This illuminated sign stands alongside the N646, announcing an entrance to the E42/A27 motorway, so we're not far from the border with Germany. The French name for Trier, Trèves, has been obscured by paint... We're in a region where German is widely spoken, which probably explains the local preference for the German name.
E40, Liège-Brussels, exit 27
French-speaking region.
This classic notice sign can be found along the E40 Liège-Brussels motorway, at exit 27 for Lincent. It was manufactured by Solupla in 1988 and installed at the time of regionalisation (in this case, the Walloon Region). At the end of 2024, it was still operational and in good condition. The photo was taken on 14 March 2020. Look at the road lighting, which still uses 131-watt low-pressure sodium lamps.
Dessel, Centre d'étude de l'Energie Nucléaire CEN
Flemish Region.
A surprising discovery in Mol, where this illuminated signal was installed in 1979. It was still on the site in January 2025. The word ‘KOELTOREN’ is unique, in French ‘tour de refroidissement’. This sign was installed at the entrance to a private road and we do not know whether it is still functional.
Here's the sign again in January 2025, a little covered in greenish moss.
N68, Eynatten
German-speaking region.
The time has come to modernise the signage at junction 39 of the E40 between Liège and Eynatten. For some time to come, the old illuminated Socal Light signs will stand alongside the new ones (Virage Signalisation, produced in December 2024, installed in January 2025). It is likely that the face dates from after 1985 (renumbering of roads in Belgium).
bottom of page