Maldegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The N9 bridge over the Schipdonkkanaal in Maldegem will be renovated in 2026 with a €14 million budget, pending permit approval. Jef Schoenmaekers highlights the project’s importance for safety and improved access, alongside a new ring road and bicycle tunnel in Eeklo.
The bridge on the N9 in Maldegem, Belgium will be fixed in 2026. This bridge crosses the Schipdonkkanaal. It connects Eeklo and Maldegem at Zeelaan and Prins Boudewijnlaan. The Agency for Roads and Traffic is planning this renovation. They want to ensure that the bridge stays safe and works well for a long time.
According to authorities, before they can start the work, they need to get the right permits. They have already applied for the permit. The renovation will depend on getting this permit approved. They mentioned that the work will modernize the old bridge. This will make it safer and easier for people who live nearby and for commuters using this road.
What are the community concerns regarding the N9 bridge renovation in Maldegem?
The permit process for the bridge renovation includes a public inquiry. This inquiry is happening now. It allows residents and other people to share their opinions or concerns about the project. Authorities mentioned that this step is important for keeping everything clear and for listening to the community before starting the work.
Anyone who wants to give feedback or raise objections can do so during this time. They mentioned that the results of this inquiry will help decide if the renovation can move forward. If it gets approved, this project will be a big investment in the local area. It will improve connections between Eeklo and Maldegem and help with transportation needs in the future.
The bridge is old and no longer meets today’s traffic and safety requirements.
Jef Schoenmaekers from the Roads and Traffic Agency.
The bridge has been standing since before World War II. It is now going to be fully renovated after many years of planning. This bridge is important because of its history and its structure. The decision to renovate it instead of building a new one.
To fix the old structure, 14 million euros have been set aside for a large upgrade. Jef Schoenmaekers mentioned that this renovation will not only make the bridge strong again but also bring it up to modern standards. The project will focus on making the bridge safer and more useful for everyone.
He highlights that the bridge will be made wider to create safer paths for cyclists. The ramps that lead to the bridge will also be changed to help vehicles and pedestrians. The pillars that support the bridge will be strengthened to ensure they can hold the renovated structure without any problems.
If the permit is in, if we have found a contractor, and if the budgets are released, we could start the work in a year,
says Jef Schoenmaekers of AWV,
and that is urgently needed because the bridge no longer meets the current safety requirements and the high traffic of today. However, the bridge is certainly safe enough to drive over now, otherwise we would ban traffic there.
How will disruptions be managed during the Schipdonkkanaal Bridge renovation?
According to Jef Schoenmaekers, the renovation of the bridge over the Schipdonkkanaal will be a large project that will take a lot of time. This bridge is an important road that many people use. The work will cause some disruptions, but plans are being made to manage this.
Discussions are happening to decide how to handle the construction and how to set up detours. These talks involve the contractor and local authorities from Eeklo and Maldegem. They mentioned that once the plans are ready, clear information will be shared with everyone about the timeline and the effects of the work. This will also include the steps taken to reduce any inconvenience.
Along with the bridge work, the Roads and Traffic Agency is starting another project with Eeklo. They are building a ring road around the city. This plan is meant to make traffic flow better and cut down on congestion in the area. Authorities mentioned that if everything goes according to plan, construction of a bicycle tunnel at Raverschootstraat will start in 2025.
But we still have to discuss the approach to the works, the disruption and the diversions. Not only with the contractor but also with the city of Eeklo and Maldegem,
Schoenmaekers continues,
once that is all finalised, we will inform everyone about it
