Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ghent will build a new bicycle bridge between De Sterre and Technology Park, named the Armand Pien Bridge to honour the famed weatherman. Construction is set to begin next year.
As VRT News reported, the new bicycle bridge linking De Sterre and the Technology Park in Ghent will be named the “Armand Pien Bridge.” The bridge honours Armand Pien, one of Ghent’s most well-known figures.
The new Armand Pien Bridge will be about 160 meters long. It will cross the R4 ring road, the Ringvaart canal, and the E40 highway. The bridge will improve cycling connections between De Sterre and the Technology Park.
Construction of the link bridge is expected to start next year. City officials indicated that it will offer a useful connection for west side daily commuters while providing recognition for Armand Pien’s service to Broadcasting and Public Engagement in Science.
Why is Ghent naming its new 160m bicycle bridge after weatherman Armand Pien?
Ghent Mayor Mathias De Clercq (Voor Gent) described Armand Pien as “perhaps one of the most famous Ghent residents ever.” He said Pien was a familiar face on the public broadcaster for many years. The mayor added that Pien was widely loved for his knowledge of weather and science.
De Clercq noted that Pien’s work left a lasting impression on viewers and made him an important figure in Ghent and across Belgium. He mentioned that Pien’s broadcasts combined accurate information with clear explanations.
“The fact that his name now connects two Ghent science parks is a wonderful tribute,”
says the mayor.
Armand Pien was born in Ghent in 1920. He studied mathematics at the University of Ghent and graduated in 1942, specialising in astronomy. He later built a career in broadcasting. Pien joined the Belgian national broadcaster BRT in 1953. He worked there for 37 years, becoming widely known as a weatherman. Pien combined science with clear explanations and occasional humor.
In addition to weather reports, Pien contributed to various radio and television programs. He appeared on science and educational shows. He also hosted entertainment programs and a quiz show. He became famous for his weather proverbs and jokes, which reached a wide audience. Pien died in Hoeilaart in 2003.
