Ghent – The Deinsesteenweg bridge (N466) over the E40 in Drongen-Baarle near Ghent has reopened following a six-month reconstruction period, reinstating a crucial route utilized by 1,500 daily commuters, reports 24brussels.
The completion of the Deinsesteenweg bridge marks a significant milestone for the community, restoring the direct link between Drongen and Deinze. This modern structure has been constructed in accordance with current standards, providing a vital connection for various transport users.
Impact of Deinsesteenweg Bridge Works on Daily Commuters
Officials announced that the project finished ahead of schedule, taking less than six months to complete. On the final night of work, the E40 motorway was temporarily closed to dismantle construction signage and implement the last road markings. A new connection was created on Kloosterstraat, but adjustments to that structure are still necessary.
The previous bridge was deemed structurally unsound and failed to comply with safety regulations, necessitating its removal and replacement. Reconstruction began on March 31, 2025, leading to significant disruption. The bridge serves approximately 1,500 users per day, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
During the closure period, motorists were required to detour over 10 kilometers via Nevele and Sint-Denijs-Westrem, while pedestrians, cyclists, and school buses were redirected to a smaller nearby bridge.
This construction project also impacted traffic flow on the E40, one of the busiest highways in Belgium. To maintain accessibility for trucks and suppliers to the Drongen industrial estate, a temporary on- and off-ramp was established.
The replacement of the Deinsesteenweg bridge (N466) forms part of a broader initiative by the Flemish Roads and Traffic Agency aimed at renovating aging motorway bridges throughout East Flanders, many of which date back to the 1960s and 1970s.
