Balgerhoeke railway bridge

The Balgerhoeke railway bridge is a 1947 steel lift bridge spanning the Schipdonk Canal. Originally built as part of the regional railway network and now operating within a tourist railway, the structure combines fixed and movable sections typical of mid-20th-century engineering.

After nearly eight decades, the bridge requires a full restoration to ensure its long-term structural integrity while preserving its heritage value. The project involves a careful repair and renewal of the steel structure, the restoration of historic paint layers, and the precise replacement or refurbishment of original components.

The restoration is divided into several phases. The movable section is being dismantled and removed on site, followed by the complete replacement of the substructure. The fixed section will undergo off-site restoration, allowing the work to be carried out in controlled conditions while respecting the bridge’s original detailing and proportions.

Technical upgrades will bring the bridge in line with contemporary safety and performance standards, without compromising its historic character. Once completed, the project will extend the operational life of the bridge and ensure its continued role within the tourist railway.

In doing so, the Balgerhoeke bridge is being prepared for the future — while honouring the engineering heritage of the past.