Inaugurated in 1978, the Vilvoorde viaduct was built to last 100 years. Nearly half a century following its creation, in-depth maintenance is required in order to secure the titanic infrastructure, culminating at 35 meters high and over which, on average per weekday, 90,000 cars pass.
Indeed, the years pass, and the viaduct suffers from the pangs of time. To the point of now wearing the disturbing label “bad condition”. ” In Flanders, we are suffering from a historic delay in the maintenance of our bridges and tunnels”, commented on Monday the Minister of Mobility, Lydia Peeters (Open VLD). “This is a historical catch-up and the Vilvoorde viaduct will be renovated, rehabilitated and reinforced in depth.”
It is in fact planned, over the next eight years, to reinforce the structure and remove asbestos. Of course, the surface, where cars drive, will also be maintained. Which, over a distance of 1.7 km, involves significant logistics. In addition to the road, the very interior of the viaduct needs to be maintained.
Because yes, the famous 22 pillars of the bridge are actually hollow. The editorial staff was able, on Monday, to enter one of these “feet” of the viaduct. Once past the modest iron gate, total darkness and a powerful din, due to the resonance of thousands of vehicles parading at 90 km/h a few meters above. And the passing motorist is far from suspecting the presence of galleries under the road. Only a small footbridge allows you to sneak between the multiple steel structures. “They are pillars that support everything. Of course, it is necessary to maintain them”slips an employee on the spot.
With this maintenance, the bridge should be operational for the next fifty years. Moreover, once renovated, the infrastructure will be “potentially” able to accommodate a fourth band.
A price that has doubled in one year
Vilvoorde Viaduct, ecoducts in Hal and Groenendael, Léonard crossroads…: here are the works planned on the Brussels Ring in 2023 (INFOGRAPHIC)
Last year, Werken Aan of Ring mentioned a budget of 250 million euros for the work. In the end, it will be double: half a billion. A spectacular increase which is explained in particular by inflation and the increase in the price of materials. “But the list of interventions to be made has also grown. More work needs to be done than expected”explains the spokeswoman for the Werkvennootschap.
The project will be done in four parts. Work begins this year, but few disruptions are expected during these first phases. The embarrassments will be felt above all from 2026. From this date, lanes will be closed and traffic will be reduced to three lanes, with a temporary speed limit of 50 km/h.
