The structure, built in 1957 and showing reliability issues, will be demolished and entirely rebuilt by Infrabel. The closure, planned for a maximum of 200 days, aims to ensure user safety. Approximately 150 people attended a citizen meeting on October 14, 2026, to present the project and address concerns.
The public tender for the works is ongoing, and the contractor is not yet known. The objective is to restore road traffic before the end of 2027, although finishing touches may still cause occasional restrictions. Night work, particularly for the demolition of the concrete slab, is scheduled for late April and early May 2027, which may cause noise pollution.
A temporary bridge will be installed between Rue de France and Rue des Sports to maintain local traffic, buses, and emergency services, though it will be prohibited for heavy goods vehicles. A technical walkway will ensure the upkeep of public utility networks. Traffic will be rerouted to surrounding routes, such as the already congested Avenue de l'Europe.
The City is preparing a mobility plan with upstream signage to guide motorists and police checks to discourage transit traffic in local streets. Coordination between the City, Infrabel, regional authorities, police, emergency services, and neighboring municipalities is essential.
Maintaining essential travel, including for TEC buses, access to schools, and businesses, is a priority. Detailed information on bus routes and modifications will be communicated. A survey of affected properties will be conducted before and after the works to address potential damages.
Another citizen meeting is planned for February 2027 to present the mobility plan in more detail. The City believes a planned intervention allows for better management of the consequences compared to an emergency closure. Practical information will be disseminated progressively.
