Ninove (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Oude Kaaibrug in Ninove is removed from the €165M 17-bridge plan; Lilianne Stinissen confirmed it’s now a separate project. Beguinebrug remains prioritised amid Beaulieu housing plans.
As VRT News reported, the Oude Kaaibrug in Ninove is no longer part of the Flemish Waterway’s plan to replace 17 bridges across Flanders by 2030. Lilianne Stinissen of the Flemish Waterway confirmed that the Oude Kaaibrug will become a separate project. She added that there is no timeline yet for when the work can begin.
“The Oude Kaaibrug project is proving more complex than originally estimated. This means we will no longer be replacing the bridge as part of the planned project for 17 bridges, but it will be moved to a separate project. We currently have no idea when that will be possible,”
Stinissen said.
What is the future of the Oude Kaaibrug in Ninove?
Alderman Werner Somers of Forza Ninove said the Beguine Bridge project has become more complicated. He hopes the recent postponement of the work will not be cancelled. The Beaulieu development plans a large residential area near the bridge. This could require moving the bridge from its current location.
The Flemish Waterway confirmed the bridge will be rebuilt. City officials say this must happen soon because the current bridge cannot last much longer. Despite the challenges from urban development and technical needs, the bridge remains on the Flemish Waterway’s official list.
In July 2024, the agency announced a list of bridges in urgent need of replacement. Most of these structures are expected to last only 5 to 10 more years. The project was designed as a public-private partnership with a budget of €165 million. For Ninove, both the Oude Kaaibrug and the Beginebrug, which cross the Dender River in the city center, were initially included.
The Beguine Bridge in Ninove has been an important crossing over the local waterways for decades. It was originally built in the mid-20th century. The bridge often requires maintenance, especially during periods of high water when it needs to be raised.
In 2018, the Flemish Waterway listed the bridge as a priority for renovation because of its key role in local traffic and access. Discussions about rebuilding or relocating the bridge have taken place several times over the past 5 years. These plans have been delayed due to technical challenges and nearby urban development projects, including the Beaulieu residential plan introduced in 2023.
