Ghent's Meulestede Bridge Undergoes Major Reconstruction
Installation of the southern half of the bridge begins amid traffic disruptions, with completion expected by the end of 2025.
GHENT – As of May 7, 2025, work has commenced on the installation of the southern half of the Meulestede Bridge, a vital infrastructure project in Ghent.
This bridge, which has served the community for over 65 years, is undergoing a significant transformation to enhance connectivity for both local residents and shipping traffic navigating the canal.
The installation began early in the morning, with heavy machinery employed to position the new section of the bridge.
The construction process involves assembling the bridge in three large sections, each weighing approximately 280 tons.
The mechanism that enables the bridge to open and close, crucial for maritime traffic, adds an additional 310 tons.
Due to the scale and precision required for this project, the bridge is fully closed to all forms of traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, for an estimated period of 10 days.
Geert Weymeis, a spokesperson from De Vlaamse Waterweg, highlighted the importance of safety and detailed planning during this complex installation phase.
Local authorities, in conjunction with De Vlaamse Waterweg, have advised residents and commuters to avoid the construction area whenever possible.
Alternate routes have been established to divert traffic away from the vicinity of the bridge, with a focus on minimizing congestion in the surrounding neighborhood streets, ensuring safe access for local residents.
The construction team anticipates an orderly process, with the installation scheduled to conclude on May 16, 2025. Following the completion of this half of the bridge, further adjustments and final touches will be required before the structure is fully operational.
The overall timeline projects the complete reconstruction of the Meulestede Bridge to be finalized by the end of 2025.
The previous bridge was demolished, and the first phase of its replacement was successfully completed in early 2024, paving the way for this current work.
The new bridge is designed to be comparable to its predecessor, retaining its functionality while enhancing structural integrity and longevity.
This bridge, which has served the community for over 65 years, is undergoing a significant transformation to enhance connectivity for both local residents and shipping traffic navigating the canal.
The installation began early in the morning, with heavy machinery employed to position the new section of the bridge.
The construction process involves assembling the bridge in three large sections, each weighing approximately 280 tons.
The mechanism that enables the bridge to open and close, crucial for maritime traffic, adds an additional 310 tons.
Due to the scale and precision required for this project, the bridge is fully closed to all forms of traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, for an estimated period of 10 days.
Geert Weymeis, a spokesperson from De Vlaamse Waterweg, highlighted the importance of safety and detailed planning during this complex installation phase.
Local authorities, in conjunction with De Vlaamse Waterweg, have advised residents and commuters to avoid the construction area whenever possible.
Alternate routes have been established to divert traffic away from the vicinity of the bridge, with a focus on minimizing congestion in the surrounding neighborhood streets, ensuring safe access for local residents.
The construction team anticipates an orderly process, with the installation scheduled to conclude on May 16, 2025. Following the completion of this half of the bridge, further adjustments and final touches will be required before the structure is fully operational.
The overall timeline projects the complete reconstruction of the Meulestede Bridge to be finalized by the end of 2025.
The previous bridge was demolished, and the first phase of its replacement was successfully completed in early 2024, paving the way for this current work.
The new bridge is designed to be comparable to its predecessor, retaining its functionality while enhancing structural integrity and longevity.
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