The Agency for Roads and Traffic began renovating the bridge on Kruishoutemseweg and Waregemsesteenweg (N437) over the E17 in Waregem in August. After exposing the bridge deck slab, the damage was found to be so severe that renovation is no longer possible to ensure its safe use. The bridge must be replaced. A specific timeline for this has not yet been announced. Until then, the connection between Kruisem and Waregem remains closed to motorized traffic. Roads and Traffic is examining possible measures to allow passage for pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge, dating from 1972, required a thorough renovation, including waterproofing, local concrete repairs, and renewal of the bridge joints. During these works, it became apparent that the damage was more extensive than initially estimated. The post-tensioning cables within the bridge deck slab, crucial for the bridge's stability, have partially corroded.
A thorough investigation into the impact on the bridge's load-bearing capacity and the feasibility of repairing the cables concluded that the only solution is to build a new bridge instead of renovating the existing one. A concrete timeline for the construction of the new bridge over the E17 is not yet known. The Agency for Roads and Traffic is preparing this further, in collaboration with the Expertise Department Concrete and Steel of the Department of Mobility and Public Works.
As long as there is no new bridge, the bridge on Kruishoutemsesweg and Waregemsesteenweg over the E17 will remain completely closed to motorized traffic. The Agency for Roads and Traffic is considering what interventions are needed to allow cyclists to use the bridge safely as a connection between Kruishoutem and Waregem. Together with the involved municipalities, the Agency will assess measures to minimize disruption for local residents and traffic. The bridge will be placed under increased supervision in the coming period, with inspections by the Expertise Department Concrete and Steel every three months.
