The new fietsbrug connecting the Eiland Zwijnaarde business park with Merelbeke has finally opened, ending years of delay. Originally planned for completion in 2022, the project faced setbacks due to missing approvals from the Gent and Merelbeke-Melle municipal councils and concerns from nature organisations about potential light pollution affecting local wildlife.
- Fietsbrug verbindt Eiland Zwijnaarde met Merelbeke
- Project ondervond vertraging door raad en natuur
- Minister De Ridder opent fietsbrug officieel
- Brug is 6 meter breed en 88,5 meter lang
- Faunavriendelijke ledverlichting minimaliseert lichtvervuiling
- Dijkverhoging beschermt Merelbeke tegen overstromingen
On 2025-07-08 17:50:00, the official opening ceremony took place, attended by Flemish Minister of Public Works Annick De Ridder, along with city councillors from Gent and Merelbeke-Melle. The six-metre-wide concrete bridge spans 88.5 metres over the Tijarm, a branch of the Schelde, providing a shorter cycling route between Merelbeke, southern municipalities, and Eiland Zwijnaarde.
How does this new infrastructure balance modern connectivity with environmental concerns? And what benefits does it bring to local commuters? The answers lie in the bridge’s design and its integration into the wider regional network.
Addressing initial worries about light pollution, the project incorporated faunafriendly LED lighting and a protective barrier to minimise disturbance to birds and bats. This thoughtful approach shows how infrastructure can meet both human and environmental needs. Key points include:
- The bridge is over six metres wide and spans 88.5 metres across the Tijarm.
- Faunafriendly lighting was installed following Natuurpunt’s recommendations.
- The adjacent dike was raised to improve flood protection under the Sigmaplan.
- The bridge shortens routes to Gent’s city centre and surrounding areas.
Looking ahead, the fietsbrug sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects that must balance ecological sensitivity with urban development. Cyclists and commuters are encouraged to take advantage of this improved route, supporting greener mobility across the region.
