Zelzatebrug, Bascule bridge in Zelzate, Belgium
Zelzatebrug is a bascule bridge that crosses the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal and connects the two sides of Zelzate via the R4 ring road. The structure opens regularly to allow cargo ships to pass while traffic on the road temporarily halts.
Built in 1968, the bridge represented a major advance in connecting the divided town while preserving waterway traffic. Its opening made it possible for both road and canal transport to coexist in the same location.
The bridge sits in an area shaped by steelmaking and shipping, showing how water routes and factories have defined local life and work. Its location reveals why this region developed around industry and water transport.
The bridge opens about 20 times daily for ships, with each opening lasting 10 to 20 minutes, which can cause delays for road traffic. Planning a visit around these regular interruptions is helpful, especially if you need to cross the area by car.
The bridge is the designated route for trucks carrying hazardous materials, as the nearby tunnel cannot handle such traffic for safety reasons. This special role makes it a critical link for dangerous cargo transport in the region.
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