Mandelbrug bridge to close end of August for delayed renovation works

The Mandelbrug, a vital bridge connecting Wakken and Sint-Baafs-Vijve, is set to close at the end of August for much-anticipated renovation work. The contractor is expected to commence construction in early September, marking a delay of over a year from the original schedule.

The bridge had previously closed for renovations, but the work was repeatedly postponed, leading to its temporary reopening. This latest closure signifies the start of a significant project aimed at modernizing the infrastructure. The Dentergem municipal government confirmed that the contractor anticipates starting the work on Monday, September 7, with local traffic diversions in place.

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The contractor now expects to start the works from Monday, September 7. Traffic will be locally diverted.

The Mandelbrug serves as the primary link for Wakken residents to Sint-Baafs-Vijve, Wielsbeke, and the wider Waregem region. The project, managed by the Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV), involves widening the bridge and constructing a unique suspended two-way cycle path. This cycle path will be a separate structure attached to the side of the bridge, distinct from the vehicular roadway.

Mayor Koenraad Degroote described the suspended cycle path as similar to the single-direction path on the Fabiolabrug in Ooigem. He also detailed that specialized high-pressure water techniques will be used for selective removal of bridge parts, ensuring that debris is captured and does not fall into the Mandel river. The entire renovation project is expected to take approximately six months, though the timeline is subject to factors such as the delivery of a 17-meter concrete beam, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.

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With a special technique, parts of the bridge will be selectively removed, using water under high pressure. This is done, of course, with the necessary care; the parts are collected so they do not end up in the Mandel.