News
Two new bicycle and pedestrian bridges over the Dijle
Last week, two brand-new bicycle and pedestrian bridges were lifted into place above the Dijle. The so-called ‘Rainbow Bridge’ will now provide a smooth connection between the municipalities of Bonheiden and Boortmeerbeek. The second bridge, named ‘Wittegoudbrug,’ now connects the municipalities of Keerbergen and Haacht. Pedestrians and cyclists will have to wait a bit longer to use the bridges. The official opening is scheduled for November.
The two new bridges over the Dijle River now enhance the accessibility between the municipalities of Bonheiden, Boortmeerbeek, Haacht, and Keerbergen. Both bridges are 36 meters long, 4.65 meters wide, and weigh 37 tons.
On Tuesday, August 29, the Rainbow Bridge was the first to be lifted into place, using a special crane. This delicate task, guided by skilled professionals, was successfully completed. The bridge is characterized by its vibrant colors and serves as a symbol of support for the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to the existing rainbow crosswalks in the vicinity, the involved municipalities aim to raise awareness of diversity with this bridge.
Lydia Peeters, Flemish Minister of Mobility & Public Works:Â “With the installation of this bridge, we are once again giving sustainable momentum to cycling in the region. Flanders continues to focus on the so-called ‘modal split,’ a distribution of transportation modes used, with an ambition of at least 40% sustainable travel in Flanders.”
On Thursday, August 31, the ‘Wittegoudbrug’ was lifted into place. The choice of colors for this bridge was not coincidental either. The white and gold colors are a reference to the asparagus and endive cultivation for which the region is renowned.
Koen Anciaux, Chairman of the Board of Directors of De Vlaamse Waterweg nv: “The bridge installation went smoothly. The functional and recreational benefits are evident. The new bridges will not only make schools in the area more accessible but also provide improved access to the natural areas in the protected nature park Rivierenland.”
The mobility and recreational opportunities in the region are often divided by the Dijle River. Existing bridges for cyclists and pedestrians are sometimes located at a considerable distance from one another. With the construction of the new bridges over the Dijle, additional cycling connections will be available in the area. This will not only be a welcome gift for schoolchildren but also highlight cycling as an attractive alternative for errands and commuting.
