On Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10 a.m., Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters, West Flemish deputy for tourism and recreation Sabien Lahaye-Battheu, the management of De Vlaamse Waterweg NV, mayor Jan Stevens of Wielsbeke and alderman Rik Soens of Waregem opened the Vlasbrug.
Project description
The Vlasbrug over the Lys between Wielsbeke and Waregem has officially been walked in and cycled in. But it is not only cyclists and pedestrians who can now cross the Lys, it also includes a safe crossing for wheelchair users. Waregem municipality council member Ann Vanheusden (CD&V) remarks: “When the weather is nice, I often go on a walk along the Lys, and it will also be much more pleasant to get across here now.” The bridge provides a beautiful view of the Lys Valley. The bicycle bridge is a new tourist-recreational link on the bicycle network. It connects the towpaths on both sides of the Lys, as well as natural areas such as the Zavelputten, Ooigembos and Oude Leiearm.
The bridge’s name is a reference to the flax industry formerly in the area. It has served as the link to considerable prosperity since the 19th century. “The bridge is also an additional asset for tourists,” says Sabien Lahaye-Battheu (Open VLD) of Westtoer and deputy of the province. “It’s a nice resting point. A picnic area will also be added at a later stage.” The Vlasbrug allows both municipalities to dream of an expanded nature preserve, provincial or otherwise. Waregem has plans to expand this nature and park area.
Steel construction
The bridge is made of steel. It is 165 meters in total length, with a 60-meter span over the Lys River. The clearance is about 7 meters (23 feet) for ships passing below.
The construction of the bridge is part of the Seine-Scheldt project to prepare the shipping lane for larger container and cargo ships. This should ultimately reduce truck traffic along the way.
This new bicycle and pedestrian bridge will allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross the Lys between Waregem and Wielsbeke easily and safely. From the bridge, they can enjoy a scenic view of the Lys Valley, while they can also take in the nature and tourist attractions on both banks at the same time.
From the press on the topic:
- Discover the contribution on Focus WTV from 01/04/2023 here
- Watch the report on VRT Nieuws from 01/04/2023 here
The project
Other news
Curious about what is happening within SBE? Or in which projects we are involved? Through these newsitems we will keep you informed about our projects and the ins and outs within SBE.
-
- Projects
Rijkswaterstaat and market parties start collaboration on new framework agreements
01/10/2025On 30 September, Rijkswaterstaat and the contracted market parties will jointly celebrate the start of a new phase in their collaboration. Over the next four to six years, these parties will work together under the new Framework Cooperation Agreements (SROKs) for Engineering Services and Project and Process Management. These agreements are of great importance for successfully carrying out Rijkswaterstaat’s major renewal program. -
- Experts at Play
- Sustainability
Tridealhouse: A smart home as a response to slum poverty
07/08/2025Trideal Houses was born out of the need to develop sustainable and affordable housing for people living in urban slums. The idea was inspired by disasters such as Hurricane Yolanda in the Philippines, which wiped out millions of homes. Michel Loots, an entrepreneurial mind with a background in medicine and economics, decided to combine his extensive knowledge from UN publications and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into a project aimed at structurally addressing poverty. -
- Sustainability
Sustainable charging through smart energy management
30/04/2025We recently expanded our charging infrastructure at the Sint-Niklaas office to better meet the growing charging needs of our vehicle fleet. In total, 25 charging points are now available for charging electric company cars.
