2023-06-29 15:40:00
The bridge that spans the Brussels-Scheldt canal in Humbeek (Grimbergen, Flemish Brabant) has been badly damaged since a barge hit it, several media reported on Thursday, having seen their story confirmed by the mayor of Grimbergen, Bart Laeremans, and the Flemish Waterways Agency, Vlaamse Waterweg.
The apron moved regarding four meters. “The damage is enormous, it will probably take several months to repair everything,” said Bart Laeremans. “We had a similar accident in 2019” and it was the delay that was necessary, reports the first citizen of the municipality concerned.
The accident happened around 1 p.m., when the sand-laden barge hit the structure at full speed. There were no injuries, but the bridge suffered and electrical cables were torn out. Several surrounding streets were deprived of electricity, but according to the mayor, the power supply has meanwhile been restored.
However, the waterway is still closed to traffic. Making it accessible is “now the top priority”, judges Vlaamse Waterweg. “According to initial estimates, the suspension of maritime activities” there “will last at least until the beginning of July”.
Road users will probably have to wait longer. In the meantime, they are invited to follow the diversions put in place.
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