The new cycling and pedestrian bridge over the Albert Canal in Wijnegem, close to Antwerp, is gradually taking shape. The Flemish Waterways authority announced on Sunday that the first four sections of the bridge were put in place this weekend.
The project, intended to replace the old “banana bridge,” is expected to be fully completed by 2026. The old banana bridge on Turnhoutsebaan was removed because it was too low for modern inland shipping. To increase the Albert Canal’s capacity, the Flemish Waterways is constructing two new bridges: a road bridge, which is already in use, and a separate cycling and pedestrian bridge.
“This weekend marks the culmination of efforts many have worked long towards,” stated Wijnegem’s mayor, Tom Tachelet. “For me, this bridge connects more than just two banks. It finally brings two parts of Wijnegem closer together.” However, the festive opening of the bridge will not take place until next year.
