Lochristi (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Infrabel, with Lochristi municipality, East Flanders, Roads and Traffic Agency, and NMBS, will build an €5 million, 8‑meter-high, 600‑meter bridge over a busy crossing, finished by 2027.

As VRT News reported, Infrabel, the company in charge of Belgium’s railway network, has announced that the new railway bridge in Beervelde, Lochristi, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, must be completed within 2 years.

The project follows the demolition of the Beervelde station building last year. Since then, preparatory work has been carried out to build a modern bridge over the level crossing. Across the country, more level crossings are being closed or redesigned to make travel safer. Infrabel said the bridge is part of its plan to improve safety for both train passengers and road users.

What is the Infrabel building in Beervelde by 2027?

The construction of the bridge will cost €5 million. Infrabel stated that removing the level crossing would reduce the risk of accidents between cars and trains.

“This investment is necessary and will improve the safety of car drivers and rail traffic. The railway crossing is a very busy one, with 165 trains passing through daily, and it is also a very busy regional road. Besides improving safety, it will also benefit local mobility,”

Infrabel stated.

The new railway bridge in Beervelde will be 8 meters high and part of a 600-meter-long regional road.

“The bridge is over 17 meters wide and will have two lanes for car traffic, as well as space for pedestrian and bicycle paths. We have consulted thoroughly with the municipality of Lochristi about everything.”

Infrabel said the project benefits both the municipality of Lochristi and the railway company. The plan is to build the bridge first, then construct the road leading to it. During construction, a temporary diversion will keep traffic moving safely. The level crossing will stay open until the bridge is finished, which is expected in 2027.

The project is being carried out in close collaboration with the municipality of Lochristi, the province of East Flanders, the Roads and Traffic Agency, and the National Railway Company of Belgium (NMBS). Officials said the cooperation ensures safety for both vehicles and trains and helps the construction run smoothly.

Since 2005, Infrabel has been working to replace many dangerous railway level crossings in Belgium by building bridges, tunnels or parallel roads. By the start of 2023, Infrabel reported having removed or replaced around 442 level crossings, though over 1,600 remain.

Despite these efforts, crossings remain a concern: in 2024, there were 30-level-crossing accidents nationwide, resulting in 5 deaths and 9 serious injuries. The new bridge in Beervelde is part of this broader safety campaign.