2023-09-21 13:51:07
The contractor in charge of repair work on the Buda bridge, hit by a boat at the end of 2022, announced that it would not be able to meet the deadline it had previously communicated for a return to service of the infrastructure in the last quarter. 2023, the Port of Brussels announced on Thursday.
According to a new estimate from the contractor, a return to service of the bridge, located at the northern entrance to the Port of Brussels, cannot be envisaged before April 2024.
According to the Port of Brussels, the causes of this delay are multiple. A study has shown that the bridge deck (the part which accommodates the road) must be completely renewed and cannot be restored.
The number of rivets to replace has been increased – we are talking regarding more than 3,000 rivets – and the time required to use these old techniques is greater than previously estimated.
Studies have also demonstrated weaknesses in certain steel parts, which will therefore also have to be replaced.
In addition, there are traces of lead in the old paint still present on the part of the bridge under repair and the presence of lead leads to additional environmental protection measures which extend the delays.
In a press release, the Port expressed its regret at this extension of deadlines and said it was “well aware” of the inconveniences caused by prolonged unavailability of the structure.
The Buda Bridge, owned by the Port of Brussels which ensures its daily operations, is located at the northern entrance to the Port of Brussels. Inaugurated in 1955, it is a lift bridge with a clearance of 33 meters which, in normal times, allows accessibility to the maritime outer port 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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