The bicycle bridge which crosses the ring road around Brussels and was inaugurated with great fanfare on Monday has already been closed. It still requires a layer of asphalt and wasn't finished at the time when the bridge officially opened.
"Something went wrong during the construction, which means that a few centimetres still have to be asphalted at the joints," said Merijn Struyf of De Werkvenootschap, who worked on the ring road around Brussels.
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"We knew that in advance, hence the red carpet (on the bridge) – that wasn't only for show, it also had a function. Postponing the opening moment was not an option due to the busy agenda of the politicians present."
Delays
The bicycle bridge was opened with applause, whistles and dignitaries on Monday. It forms the last part of the F3 bicycle highway between Leuven and Brussels.
"The bridge is an enormous added value", said Flemish Minister of Mobility Lydia Peeters at the opening. "This route is of great importance for commuter traffic between Leuven and Brussels."
Yet barely two days after the festivities, the bridge closed on Wednesday morning. It should be completely finished on Friday but is still partially open to commuters. Asphalt will be poured on Wednesday and Thursday, while one lane on the bridge has been reopened.
