The Flemish Waterway regularly inspects the condition of bridges over rivers and canals. During a check of the Emblembrug over the Netekanaal, on the road between Kessel-Station and Emblem, wear was detected. This is not unusual after many years of intensive use. To guarantee safety, traffic exceeding 7.5 tons is no longer permitted, and lanes will be narrowed. The bridge will need to be replaced in the long term.
Traffic will therefore continue to be possible over the bridge. However, to limit the load on the bridge and to prevent long-term stability issues, measures are necessary. At the indication of the Flemish Waterway, trucks weighing more than 7.5 tons are no longer allowed. Lighter vehicles will follow narrowed lanes, allowing the bridge to remain in use until it is replaced.
Clear signage will be placed on all access roads. The Flemish Waterway is collaborating with the municipalities of Ranst and Nijlen to clearly indicate the tonnage restriction on all access roads. Traffic exceeding 7.5 tons between Kessel and Emblem will be informed of the restriction on the access roads and can continue their journey via alternative routes, such as the ring road of Lier.
