Dendermonde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The construction project at Dendermonde station has begun its visible phase after 12 years of design phase. In the upcoming years, Infrabel and NMBS will execute a comprehensive station overhaul to establish total autonomous accessibility for all passengers.
The Dendermonde station will receive a fundamental redevelopment spanning multiple years to establish total accessibility for every station visitor regardless of their mobility condition. The planned improvements have been under development for more than twelve years. Construction will start first with building bridges across the Vondelbeek stream and bike parking at the station front.
These development projects are projected to finish this year. The new construction plan includes designing a covered bridge with escalators and lifts to enhance platform accessibility for all travellers. The complete renovation work has a 2032 target date, and developers plan to distribute construction phases to keep travellers uninterrupted.
“The station will undergo a thorough metamorphosis in the coming years,”
Says NMBS spokesperson Dimitri Temmerman.
“We will start with the construction of a new bridge over the Vondelbeek at the back of the station. This year, there will also be a new bicycle park at the front of the station. Both the bridge and the bicycle parking should be ready this year.”
In addition, there will be a covered pedestrian bridge over the tracks.
“This will make it easier for passengers to reach all platforms,”
Says Temmerman.
“This footbridge will not only take passengers to the platforms via escalators, but also via a lift.”
“This will make the station fully accessible for all travellers,”
Temmerman explains.
“Also for travellers in wheelchairs or people who have a pram or suitcases with them.”
The work should be finished in 2032. They would, therefore, take 7 years.
“The works will indeed take a while, but we are consciously choosing this approach,”
Says the NMBS spokesperson.
“We are working in phases, so that we limit the inconvenience for passengers.”
During the works, all trains will continue to stop in Dendermonde.
“The station is an important junction,”
Temmerman adds.
“Every day, around 5,000 passengers take one of the 200 trains there. This operation will, therefore be maintained in the coming years.”
What is the history behind the Dendermonde station renovation?
Dendermonde Station holds a crucial position in Belgium as it serves daily rail passengers of around 5,000 across the region. Due to its daily business volume of 200 trains, Dendermonde Station requires modernisation to support contemporary accessibility requirements. The renovation process has existed in plans for more than 12 years because of the intricate nature and size of the construction.
Under the broader infrastructure plan carried out by NMBS and Infrabel, the initiative works to achieve railway improvements that provide efficient access for everyone including those who need adapted travel services. The scheduled renovations spanning from now until 2032 have been designed to reduce disturbances by implementing essential updates such as new bridges, bicycle depots, and covered walking ways.
