Add to this that the bridge is on an “S” shaped route which puts more pressure on the structure when vehicles pass, we can say that the Carsoel bridge will have lived well even if he started to show signs of fatigue.
This Saturday, no dynamite or other explosives. “We’re not in a movie.” The bridge was demolished little by little to gradually reveal its 45 meter wide replacement (compared to 12 for the old bridge) built right next to it. The new building, already well advanced, will make it possible to eliminate this S-shaped route which, in addition to weakening the structure, required the Stib to regularly grind the rails of tram 92. The route will now be more straight. The new bridge will also provide much larger space for pedestrians and bicycles on this crossing near a school.
Infrabel is also taking the opportunity to redevelop the station platforms (lighting, shelters, creation of elevators) and create a bicycle parking lot with around seventy spaces.
Beams for the rails
For the demolition operation, train traffic was obviously interrupted for the weekend. The rails were protected by thick boards ten centimeters above. Sunday will be devoted to removing rubble and checking the rails for a resumption of rail traffic this Monday morning, still limited to one track (as has been the case for several months).
Indeed, work continues to develop the platforms and the new bridge. Two new interruptions to rail traffic will be necessary, particularly for the laying of cables. Next weekend (January 18 and 19) and March 1 and 2, trains will not pass under the new bridge. Traffic will be cut off after the last train on Friday and will resume with the first on Monday.
The tram should be able to recirculate on the bridge by June. The trains should also recover all their tracks in mid-June, which will allow a return to a normal frequency of passage on the line. For cars, you will have to wait until September. For the moment, the schedule is held. Pedestrians and cyclists can already cross the new structure.
Parking to be reviewed
While there were around 1,000 vehicles per hour on the bridge during peak hours, the interruption of automobile traffic obviously leads to some saturation of the surrounding roads. Buses 37 and 60 as well as T-bus 92 which replaces the end of line 92 cut by the construction site, all pass through rue Basse. A road where, usually, no bus passes. “We realize that despite some parking limitations to create spaces for buses, the intersection of public transport on the street still poses problems. We will therefore soon reorganize parking on the street, announces the alderman in charge of public works Thibaud Wyngaard (Ecolo). Same on the Dieweg near the Cherridreux residence.
It will therefore take a few more months of patience for a return to normal in the Saint Job district. But according to the public of curious people who came this Saturday morning, the inconvenience remains limited. “And you have to change a bridge before it collapses.” The new bridge should have a lifespan “well over 100 years,” reassures Infrabel. Fortunately when we know that the project will cost a total of more than 10 million euros.
