The contractor commenced complete renovation works of the road bridge over the Rupel in Boom at the end of May. The bridge, bridge pillars and abutments all underwent thorough renovation. At the same time, the bridge’s steel substructure was given anti-corrosion protection. The concrete structure on the underside of the bridge, the bridge deck and high-voltage installation were also overhauled.

During the works it became apparent that the upper side of the bridge’s two outermost steel girders were corroded. The damaged portion of the steel girders (the upper flange) is extremely difficult to access, which is why the damage only became visible during the renovation works. The upper flange performs an important function for the stability of the bridge. We have therefore decided not to risk safety and to commence the repair work as soon as possible. We will be using the period that the bridge is closed by the Roads and Traffic Agency for the reconstruction of Frans De Schutterlaan (N177). 

Specifically, the contractor will remove the rust from the steel girders, and renew and re-protect them from corrosion where necessary. The cycle path will be cut open over its entire length in order to facilitate this. Rust removal can result in local noise pollution. The contractor will not carry out work in the evenings or weekends, in order to limit the nuisance. We expect the additional repair works to be completed by the end of March 2019. However, the duration is highly dependent on the weather (winter period).

Impact on traffic 
The bridge will remain accessible to cyclists and pedestrians for the entire duration of the works.
The current diversion, which the Roads and Traffic Agency has put in place for the reconstruction of the Frans De Schutterlaan (continuation of the Rupel bridge) will be retained for cars and lorries. De Lijn buses will also follow this diversion. Stay informed about diversions on your route via delijn.be/omleidingen. 

Want to know more?
The Agency for Roads and Traffic website can also be consulted for more information on the reconstruction of the Frans De Schutterlaan: wegenenverkeer.be/werken/heraanleg-frans-de-schutterlaan-n177-boom.