Wetteren is poised for a crucial next step to enhance liveability, traffic safety, and accessibility in the region. The Province of Oost-Vlaanderen, in collaboration with the Wetteren local government, is developing a provincial spatial implementation plan (PRUP) for the construction of a new Scheldt Bridge and a railway bridge in Wetteren. The public can provide feedback on these plans from Monday, October 19, to Thursday, December 17.
Wetteren is a dynamic municipality, beautifully situated between green spaces, the Scheldt river, and the railway. However, this strategic location also results in significant daily traffic pressure. A better North-South connection is vital to guarantee the liveability of Wetteren and improve mobility flows. This connection involves a new bridge over the Scheldt in the north and a railway bridge in the south. The exact locations are currently under investigation.
The PRUP procedure, which began in the spring of 2026, now yields a starting and alternatives note. This note maps out all possible alternatives within the research area, filtering them into reasonable and unreasonable options, and outlines the plan objectives, the plan contour, and the environmental effects to be studied.
During the public consultation period from October 19 to December 17, 2026, everyone can voice their opinion on the starting note. The first major information event will take place on Tuesday, October 27, offering information and dialogue opportunities between 4 PM and 8 PM. Registration for a time slot is required.
Formal responses to the starting note can be submitted until December 17, 2026, via email to raadplegingen@oost-vlaanderen.be, by post to Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen, dienst Ruimtelijke Planning, Charles de Kerchovelaan 189, 9000 Gent, or at the counter of the provincial Spatial Planning department or the municipal Urban Development department in Wetteren, Rode Heuvel 1, 9230 Wetteren.
The starting note and process note can be consulted on the website of the Province of Oost-Vlaanderen, at the provincial Spatial Planning department (by appointment via noordzuidwetteren@oost-vlaanderen.be or 09 267 70 00), or at the municipal hall of Wetteren.
For frequently asked questions, consult the list on the website. Any remaining uncertainties can be sent to noordzuidwetteren@oost-vlaanderen.be.
