Work on Antwerp Ring in full swing, “even if you don't see them right away” (Antwerp)

Major works are underway this weekend on the Merksem viaduct towards the Netherlands. An inspection revealed that a bridge joint urgently needed to be repaired. To avoid further damage to the viaduct, the contractor is now working day and night to remedy the shortcoming. Between the exits Deurne and Merksem, traffic must pass over one lane. This caused a traffic jam between Berchem and Merksem on Saturday morning, and the Flemish Traffic Center decided to make the Liefkenshoek tunnel towards the Netherlands toll-free.

–

David Van TurnhoutSource: Own reporting

Yesterday at 13:30—

ALSO READ. Serious nuisance expected this weekend on Antwerp Ring towards the Netherlands due to repair in Merksem

“If you want to go to the Netherlands via the Antwerp Ring, you should take into account about six kilometers of walking pace between Berchem and the Merksem viaduct this weekend,” says Peter Bruynickx of the Flemish Traffic Center. “We will make the Liefkenshoek tunnel toll-free for as long as necessary so that traffic can detour towards the Netherlands. We don’t do this by default, but we do when we see that the files are getting too long. As it stands, the works should be completed by Sunday night, as planned.

–

Gilles Van Goethem of the Flemish Roads and Traffic Agency emphasizes that the repair works were urgent and necessary to avoid further damage to the bridge. “Such a viaduct consists of large parts that are connected to each other with metal bridge joints. They expand and contract, but they also absorb the shocks of traffic. That makes them susceptible to damage. If we don’t fix them right away, the problem could spread. However, there was never any danger.”

Nobody to see

“The works will be carried out by a contractor who is specifically specialized in bridge joints,” says Van Goethem. There probably aren’t too many like that. Because the parts are largely located under the road surface, not all repair works are visible. “It is possible that motorists drive by and think that no one is working,” says Bruynickx. But we are working hard to complete everything on time. Certain materials will also have to harden, so that the works will come to a standstill during that period.

–

Despite the blessed age of the viaduct, a recent inspection revealed that there are no problems with the other bridge connections. After this weekend, the bridge can probably take it again for a while, until it is demolished for the Oosterweel.