The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, in collaboration with Infrabel, is set to receive a substantial boost of 23 million EUR from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for the renovation of the Lillo Bridge. The European Commission recently announced its commitment to support the project, which involves the overhaul of the bridge and the renewal of the associated railway tracks. The funding request was submitted in September 2023, and the approval marks a significant milestone for the vital transportation link.
Constructed in 1967, the Lillo Bridge serves as the sole passage over the Kanaaldok, connecting the area between the Schelde and the Kanaaldok with the hinterland. It plays a crucial role in facilitating logistics for the chemical cluster and container terminals in the region. However, increased rail and maritime traffic led to frequent openings and closures, causing fatigue in the steel and balance structures. By the end of 2019, the bridge had to be taken out of service due to advanced material fatigue.
Since then, trains have been rerouted via Line 11 through the Zandvliet-Berendrecht lock complex and around BASF. This not only quadrupled the distance but also resulted in additional waiting times at the lock complex, making rail transport to the area less attractive. The number of trains to and from the zone decreased by approximately 30%.
The approval of European funding for the Lillo Bridge renovation signifies the strategic importance recognized by the European Commission for seamless rail transport in the port area and the broader region. Europe will cover 50% of the renovation costs, amounting to about 22.43 million EUR for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and 500,000 EUR for Infrabel.
The renovation process is already underway, with a call for candidate contractors issued in December 2023. The specifications are being fine-tuned and will be shared with potential candidates in the spring. Additionally, the application for an environmental permit has been submitted and deemed admissible. The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Annick De Ridder, the harbor alderman of the City of Antwerp and chairperson of the board of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “With the approval of European funding for the renovation of this bridge, we can take a new step towards increased rail transport. This will further enhance the sustainability of the economic engine that our port represents for Flanders.
