Port of Brussels: 70th anniversary of the Buda Bridge

The Buda Bridge, a remarkable industrial edifice in Brussels with a steel structure rising above the canal, just celebrated its 70th birthday. Located in Neder-Over-Heembeek, this industrial lift bridge has been available day and night as a gateway to the port of Brussels, since 1955.

This emblematic bridge is an essential link between the left and the right bank of the canal in the north of the Brussels Region. It is also a reminder of the Port of Brussels’ industrial and economic golden age and a symbol for Neder-Over-Heembeek and Haren which it links.

Fun fact: Did you know that the name of the bridge refers to Buda, the western part of Budapest?

After an accident with an inland vessel in 2022, the bridge received a thorough restoration and reopened to road and river traffic on June 8, 2024. In order to preserve this important heritage of the port and industrial history of Brussels, the Port of Brussels has opted to restore the damaged bridge deck to its original state. The effort required techniques that are no longer used today, such as hot riveting – more than three thousand rivets have been replaced one by one. Thanks to the dedicated restoration, the bridge has reclaimed its original splendor.

Numerous activities have been organized to celebrate the 70th anniversary, including the inter-municipal culture project Border Buda with various artistic events as well as the photo contest, organised by the Port of Brussels. The contest invited everyone in Brussels to share their original and surprising views of this iconic bridge. Check some of the participating photos here.

Did you know?
The present bridge was officially inaugurated in 1955 by Prince Albert (the future King Albert II). This bridge was built after the previous bridge had been mercilessly bombed by the German army in 1940. At the time, it was of vital importance for the supply of the SBA – ASED company where coke and fertilisers were produced. The raw materials for fertilisers were also used for munitions, which immediately explains why the bridge was bombed.

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

Want to know more? Check our story about the reopening of the Buda Bridge.