Crucial Works Start on Bruges Bridge, Halting Canal Traffic for Two Weeks

Essential renovation works have commenced on the Gentpoortbrug bridge in Bruges, Belgium, marking a critical phase that will temporarily halt shipping traffic on a substantial portion of the city's ring canal. The intensive maintenance is scheduled to last for two weeks, during which navigation will be impossible between the Katelijnepoortbrug and the Warandebrug.

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We are carrying out work in 2.5 months that normally takes half a year.

Geert Weymeis, a spokesperson for De Vlaamse Waterweg (Flemish Waterways), explained the urgency and scope of the project. "We are carrying out work in 2.5 months that normally takes half a year," Weymeis stated, highlighting the accelerated timeline. To achieve this, crews will be working around the clock, with up to five teams operating simultaneously at certain points. This intensified schedule aims to minimize the overall disruption.

While shipping traffic will be significantly impacted, road users will have alternative routes. However, the closure affects a vital waterway, impacting commercial and recreational boating. Shipping between the Boudewijn Canal and Ostend will remain possible, allowing the Boudewijnbrug and Scheepsdalebrug to operate, though their movements will also be limited.

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From Sunday evening, no shipping will be possible between the Katelijnepoortbrug and the Warandebrug.

In addition to the Gentpoortbrug works, other maintenance is being conducted concurrently to optimize efficiency. One of the two Dampoortbruggen will undergo repairs simultaneously, and night work is planned for the Boudewijnbrug. If all proceeds as planned, the Gentpoortbrug is expected to reopen for shipping on August 24th and for road traffic on September 1st.

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To get the Gentpoortbrug operational again as quickly as possible, work will continue day and night.