Bruges – (Brussels Morning) – The permit plans of making bridges by De Vlaamse Waterweg Steenbrugge, Kruispoort, Krakele, and Verbindingssluis in the process to enhance mobility and safety. Minister Lydia Peters allocated 165 million euros for this project.
There’s the Steenbrugge Bridge permit plans for the Kruispoort Bridge and a new Krakele Bridge in the works. Moreover there’s another bridge coming up at Verbindingssluis near Sluisstraat. These are part of a big plan by De Vlaamse Waterweg, with a budget of 165 million euros set by Minister Lydia Peters. By 2030 they want to replace 17 movable bridges all over Flanders using a public-private partnership approach.
Flanders’ Transportation Makeover
They’re working on a new Steenbrugge Bridge permit just waiting for the green light. Plans for the Kruispoort Bridge are out and they’re busy designing the new Krakele Bridge. De Vlaamse Waterweg is handling 17 movable bridges all in one go. Minister Lydia Peters set aside 165 million euros for this.
Originally this bridge served as a railway bridge for trains. However approximately ten years ago the railway tracks were removed and the mechanical components were repaired. Despite these efforts the bridge’s functionality is still not considered optimal as noted by Geert Weymeis from De Vlaamse Waterweg. He believes there is significant potential for enhancing mobility particularly in terms of road safety with a specific focus on improving conditions for bicycle traffic. It appears that the primary objective is to create a safer and more efficient environment for all individuals utilizing the bridge.
Are Bruges’ Bridges Ready for a Hi-Tech Transformation?
The city council’s decision to invest in improving cyclist safety on Sluisstraat is right in line with their goals. Originally they wanted to create cycle paths on the street but space limitations led to the idea of converting the current bridge into a bicycle street. Mayor De fauw’s vision is for the new bridge to feature two separate cycle paths offering cyclists a safer and more convenient route.
The chosen bridge is part of the ‘remote control program’ run by the Flemish Waterway. They aim to eventually control all movable bridges locks weirs and pumping installations remotely by 2032.. The plan is to bring all these services together in Evergem in the future as shared by Weymeis.
