The Scheldt Bridge near Temse is an important link in the region and is part of the Temse skyline.
The bridges connect landscapes and people.
Trains, cars, cyclists and walkers make daily use of this beautiful building designed by Gustave Eiffel. At 374 meters, the Scheldt Bridge is the longest bridge over water in Belgium and is also the last bridge over the Scheldt, downstream, towards the sea.
The first bridge was designed by Eifel and was completed in 1870.
She served in the railway connection between Mechelen and Terneuzen.
Because there were no cars or bicycles driving around at that time, it was only accessible to railway traffic and pedestrians.
With a length of 343 m (in 1870), it was immediately the longest bridge in Belgium.
During the First World War, the bridge suffered serious damage.
She was restored. Because she was and still is an important connection.
In 1940, however, it was blown up by French and Belgian engineers for strategic reasons.
After the war, the construction of a new bridge was given priority. The first pile was placed on June 2, 1949.
The solemn inauguration by King Baudouin followed on 19 December 1955.
The current bridge is 365 meters long.
In April 1994 the movable part was replaced by a new roller bascule bridge; the solemn reopening of the bridge took place on April 29, 1994.
On the side of Temse are two monumental statues by Karel Aubroeck: The Scheldt and The Waves. These were placed in 1958 and 1964.
Enjoy this horizontal work of art while pedaling or walking…