Repair of collapsed Houdeng Bridge in La Louvière enters construction phase

*Aerial drone image shows the remains of a bridge which collapsed in March, in La Louviere, taken on Friday 04 July 2025. Credit: Belga/Eric Lalmand*

Reconstruction efforts have commenced on the Bridge 45 in La Louvière, Wallonia, nearly seven months after part of the structure collapsed during demolition work. Government officials and infrastructure managers have initiated preliminary tasks to restore the crossing, with full demolition and rebuilding operations expected to follow under enhanced safety protocols.

The bridge, which carried the E42/A15 highway over the Canal du Centre, collapsed on March 6, 2025, while parts of it were being dismantled as part of a replacement plan. At that time, one worker died and at least three were injured. Investigations, forensic surveys, and judicial reviews delayed further construction until expert clearance was obtained.

According to SOFICO, weather permitted, the bridge’s load-bearing structure will be built by the end of 2025. The bridge deck work will be performed early 2026 and the roadway construction and equipment installation by November 2026. Finishing touches are expected to be extended into early 2027.

Source: The Brussels Times