Project developer profession questions start of construction of Steenbruggebrug

In July, the Flemish government granted waterway manager De Vlaamse Waterweg a permit to realize the project. An elevated bridge and a movable bicycle and pedestrian bridge should solve the current traffic problem. There is currently a traffic jam when the bridge opens for boats crossing the canal between Bruges and Ghent. On the new route, cars will be able to drive across the canal.

Saturday, September 9 is the last day that an appeal against the permit can be lodged. At least one project developer is already contesting the works, but appeals from others may not become visible until early next week. It may take several days for these files to be processed.

Dialogue

“The Spatial Planning Department finds it annoying, but hopes that the project developer can enter into discussions with De Vlaamse Waterweg to avoid serious delays,” says Mayor Dirk De Fauw. The city council is crossing its fingers that both parties can reach an agreement so that no legal proceedings unfold. Normally, the first phase of construction would begin before the end of this year. That deadline may therefore be in jeopardy.