Truck Gets Stuck Under Diepenbeek Bridge Again: ‘We Need to Consider Measures’

A truck became stuck under the Mizerikstraat bridge in Diepenbeek on Monday morning, marking the third incident there in less than three months.

“

We need to consider measures.

A passerby noticed the vehicle at about 9:10 a.m. It was not clear how the truck was eventually freed, and the local LRH police zone said it had received no report.

The bridge has a maximum passage height of 3.20 meters, while several signs clearly indicate that the available clearance is only 2.7 meters. Trucks also became trapped there in mid-June and early July.

“

We have previously installed additional signs to make clear that this is a low bridge.

Mayor Rik Kriekels said the municipality had previously installed additional signs, but drivers still either failed to notice them or believed they could pass beneath the bridge. The bridge belongs to the Agency for Roads and Traffic, so the municipality cannot raise it.

“

Despite that, we continue to deal with truck drivers who either did not see it or think they can still get underneath.

Kriekels said officials would examine whether a metal structure fitted with plastic chains could be installed in front of the bridge. The chains would gently touch the windshields of vehicles that are too high, warning drivers in time.

“

What could be done is to place a metal structure with plastic chains in front of it.