Herbosch-Kiere completed a new cycling and pedestrian bridge over the River Demer in Diest, near the Grote Steunbeer. This modern bridge replaces the old concrete crossing and forms part of a larger project focused on restoring the lock complex and improving water management in the region.
The bridge is located within the Grote Steunbeer, a protected monument that is part of the 19th-century defensive belt surrounding Diest. The structure consists of four steel sections, each weighing between 13 and 17 tons, which were carefully lifted over the Demer and welded together on-site on temporary support piers. The bridge deck is made up of 50 prefabricated ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) panels only 6 cm thick, an innovative solution that ensures a sleek and durable design.
As the works took place in an ecologically sensitive area near the Webbekoms Broek nature reserve, special attention was given to environmental protection. Through careful planning and adapted construction methods, the impact on nature was kept to a minimum.
After installation, welding and painting works were carried out, followed by the placement of railings and the walking surface.
The final result: a 100-meter-long and 4.5-meter-wide bridge weighing around 140 tons, officially inaugurated on June 25, 2025.
This new piece of infrastructure connects Schaffen with the city center of Diest, strengthens the Flemish cycling network, and contributes to more sustainable and safer mobility in the region.