Major works: disruption until 2025
The works are far-reaching and will take five years.
Preparations will start in the spring of 2021 and work on the site will be evident after the summer of 2021. The work is due to be completed in 2025.
Two bridges, five traffic lanes
The new, all-white Meulestede Bridge will be almost three times as wide as the current one. The existing bridge will be replaced by a new movable bridge with 5 traffic lanes and a clearance width of 20 metres.
A twin bridge will be built consisting of two separately movable bridge sections. On the northern half of the bridge there will be three lanes, and two on the southern half. This means that whenever maintenance or repairs are carried out on one half of the bridge, traffic will still be able to continue in both directions.
More lanes mean a smoother flow of traffic. Cyclists and pedestrians will be able to pass under the bridge on the right side of the shore (Meulestedekaai).
The Vlaamse Waterweg will remotely operate the bridge from a traffic centre located at the Evergem inland shipping lock.
More than a bridge: redevelopment area
By widening the bridge, the surrounding area will also need to be redeveloped: the roads (to the bridge), the sewerage system and the embankment walls.
Crucial connection in the North Sea Port area
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