Ghent – The recently opened Verapaz Bridge in Ghent, inaugurated on July 11, 2025, is already facing issues with graffiti vandalism. Jef Schoenmaekers, spokesperson for the Roads and Traffic Agency, is urging the public to respect the new structure and is calling for cleanup efforts along with awareness posters to prevent further damage, reports 24brussels.
The Roads and Traffic Agency has expressed concerns over the bridge, which seamlessly connects the inner ring road to Afrikalaan, showing signs of vandalism merely weeks after its debut. Authorities are emphasizing that the bridge is not just a traffic passage; it represents a significant architectural investment.
Schoenmaekers highlighted the allure of the bridge for street artists but underscored the necessity of respecting the property. “One art form cannot be at the cost of another,” he stated.
The Context of Graffiti on Ghent’s New Verapaz Bridge
While the agency aims to halt the vandalism, Schoenmaekers clarified that they also want to educate the public on the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of the bridge. The agency plans to enhance its outreach efforts while maintaining respect for artistic expressions.
The Roads and Traffic Agency is committed to promptly removing the graffiti from the bridge. Following the cleanup, they intend to install signage in the vicinity, detailing that the bridge structure is off-limits for graffiti.
In a related incident, newly placed rainbow benches in Bruges were vandalized with graffiti on May 17, 2024, a day after their installation for the International Day Against LGBT and Transphobia. The benches, designed to promote inclusivity, were marked with derogatory terms. Mayor Dirk De Fauw condemned the act and affirmed the city’s zero-tolerance stance on such behavior, ensuring swift removal of the graffiti.
