The weight hung six meters high and normally helps to keep the bridge open for shipping. There were no injuries, but the balustrade was badly damaged. The counterweight is now on the bottom of the canal.
In the meantime, the bridge is closed to all traffic, both over the water and for cyclists and pedestrians. “We are investigating the investigation, but it is not yet clear how long the repair will last,” says Geert Weymeis, spokesperson for the Flemish Waterweg.
Cyclists and pedestrians can use the fixed bridge in the N377 Jabbeke-de Haan about 700 further towards Bruges. A diversion is provided via Vaartdijk-Noord and the Cathilleweg. The cycle path on the fixed bridge may be used temporarily in both driving directions.