Five years after the July 2021 floods, the Thon-Samson footbridge has been reinstated in the heart of the village. Entirely rebuilt by the City of Andenne, the new structure will once again allow pedestrians to cross the Samson river and move more easily between different parts of the village. Its official opening will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11 AM, in the presence of local residents, communal authorities, and project partners.
The July 2021 floods caused significant damage in several villages within the Andenne territory, notably in Thon-Samson, Maizeret, and Coutisse. The footbridge crossing the Samson in Thon-Samson suffered considerable damage. Its reconstruction is part of the efforts by the City of Andenne to progressively repair damaged communal infrastructure and restore essential connections for daily life. Beyond its practical function, the footbridge is a familiar element of the Thon-Samson landscape, recognized as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia'.
The footbridge project, decided upon during the Collège communal meeting on December 1, 2023, involves a new metallic footbridge, 29 meters long and weighing nearly 17 tons. The steel structure was installed in July 2026. Its angled orientation was designed for the safety of pedestrians emerging onto the busy Gramptinne street. The project also includes landscaping around the bridge, with access provided by stairs and a ramp, maintaining the existing tree and stone structure on the small square, which will be planted.
The total investment for these works amounts to 520,000 euros (including VAT), excluding revision. The estimated cost for the Samson footbridge is approximately 467,542 euros (including VAT). This investment reflects the City of Andenne's commitment to sustainably rebuilding flood-damaged infrastructure. The work was entrusted to the company Les Enrobés du Gerny, architectural design to Servais Engineering Architectural – SEA, and the metallic structure fabrication to Ateliers Istace.
Concurrently, the City of Andenne involved local residents in the planning of the small square through a questionnaire regarding urban furniture, the placement of a bin, and the marking of parking spaces. Feedback will inform the city's decisions before finalizing these arrangements.
The official inauguration will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11 AM, on the small square of rue du Samson. About ten musicians from the Fanfare Samson-Brumagne will perform. Following a brief speech and the traditional ribbon-cutting, participants will be invited to cross the footbridge together, with a reception to follow around a drink of friendship, featuring a tasting of beer recently brewed by the fanfare.
