The Charlemagne viaduct in Dinant was supposed to begin construction in early 2021, but despite having all the necessary infrastructure in place, including signs and traffic control measures, the project has yet to start. Héloïse Winandy, spokesperson for SOFICO, has stated that regular damage to the viaduct’s waterproofing is causing delays. While speed and traffic were limited earlier this year in both directions, a full construction plan has been developed, and work is expected to commence by the end of this year. The renovation will be extensive, including waterproofing, coating, equipment, and railings, with traffic maintained on the viaduct throughout the duration of the project. No specific deadline for completion has been given yet, and patience will be required for the viaduct to regain its four traffic lanes.
The site might (should?) have started in early 2021. All the infrastructure is in place, signs and lighted arrows, traffic is reduced to a single lane in each direction (instead of two) and the speed limit is 70 km /h (instead of 120). But construction has still not started.
Héloïse Winandy, spokesperson for SOFICO, which manages the major roads in Wallonia: “It is not currently a construction site as such. On the viaduct, damage appears very regularly, following the state of its waterproofing which must be replaced.
In early 2021, the decision was made to limit speed and traffic on the viaduct, in both directions. This decision was taken in collaboration with the municipality of Dinant and with the police. The only road used had then been quickly rehabilitated.
A full construction site is well planned. “We hope to be able to start it at the end of the second half.” In other words, end of this year. The specifications are being drafted. The renovation, on the surface and regarding ten centimeters deep, will be complete: waterproofing, coating, equipment, railings. Traffic will be maintained on the viaduct for the duration of the work, probably under the same conditions as at present.
It is still too early to be able to give a deadline and specify when the viaduct, which celebrated its 40th anniversary at the start of this year, will have regained its four traffic lanes. We have to wait for the specifications to be completed, for the site to be awarded and then completed. Patience.
Report in pictures in our video at the top of this article.
In conclusion, the renovation of the Charlemagne viaduct in Dinant is still in progress, although it was supposed to begin earlier this year. Despite the delay, plans are underway to start construction by the end of this year. The renovation will include a new waterproofing system, coating, equipment, and railings. Traffic will be maintained on the viaduct during the renovation process, but it is still uncertain when the viaduct will regain its four traffic lanes. We must exercise patience and wait for the specifications to be completed and for the site to be awarded and completed. Let us hope that this renovation will improve the safety and condition of the viaduct for many years to come.
