The Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Infrabel are set to receive a EUR 23 million grant from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for the revitalization of the Lillo Bridge. This financial support follows their application for European subsidies in September 2023, aimed at refurbishing the bridge and renewing the adjacent tracks. The European Commission’s announcement of the CEF grant underscores the strategic significance of the Lillo Bridge for facilitating seamless rail transport within the port area and the broader region.
Constructed in 1967, the Lillo Bridge serves as the sole crossing over the Canal Dock, connecting the Scheldt area to the hinterland and playing a vital role in the chemical cluster and container terminals. The surge in both rail and shipping activities led to increased bridge openings and closures, causing fatigue in the steel and balance structures. Consequently, by the end of 2019, the bridge had to be taken out of operation, forcing trains to detour through the Zandvliet-Berendrecht lock complex and around BASF. This not only quadrupled the travel distance but also resulted in extended waiting times at the lock complex, causing a 30% decline in rail transport to and from the zone.
The European grant, covering 50% of the renovation costs, amounts to approximately EUR 22.43 million for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and EUR 500,000 for Infrabel. The Lillo Bridge renovation has already commenced, with a call for contractor candidates issued in December 2023. Finalizing specifications and sharing them with potential candidates is scheduled for spring, while the application for environmental and building permits has already been submitted and deemed admissible. The renovation works are expected to conclude no later than the end of 2027.
Image source: https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/european-subsidy-for-renovation-lillo-bridge