Port of Brussels: Buda Bridge is open again!

The Buda Bridge has reopened to road and river traffic on June 8, 2024 after the successful installation of the renovated bridge deck. Works took a little longer than initially planned due to final tests which ensured the opening of the Buda Bridge in optimal and safe conditions. Works on the bridge have been carried out by the companies HYE and Sarens, with the assistance of the operational teams of the Port of Brussels.

This emblematic bridge is an essential link between the left and the right bank of the canal in the north of the Brussels Region.

In order to preserve this important heritage of the port and industrial history of Brussels, the Port of Brussels has chosen to restore the damaged bridge deck to its original state. It was therefore necessary to use techniques that are no longer used today, such as hot riveting. More than three thousand rivets have been replaced one by one. Furthermore, to enable a lasting repair, the bridge deck was restored to contemporary standards so that it can withstand the current traffic. To make this possible, all of the bridge deck panels were replaced. At the same time, the bridge machinery was inspected, renovated and adapted to the new bridge deck.

The Port of Brussels announced the reopening of this emblematic bridge, an essential link between the left and right banks of the canal in the north of the Region.

The reopening marks the end of a period of one and a half years, during which the Buda Bridge was unusable following the accident that occurred on December 30, 2022, when a barge collided with the bridge, causing it serious damage and making it impossible to operate. The refurbished bridge deck was transported by water from the HYE company facilities in Zwijndrecht (south of Antwerp) and arrived in Brussels on May 30. Installation works began on Monday June 3.

The Buda Bridge is a property of the Port of Brussels which ensures its daily operations. It is located at the northern entrance to the Port of Brussels. The bridge was inaugurated in 1955 and is a vertical lift bridge with a clearance of 33 meters which provides access to the outer port 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Photos: Port of Brussels