Sixty years ago trains thundered across De Zeventien Bruggen. This impressive railway viaduct in Dilbeek stretches 600 meters. It rises 18 to 20 meters above the Pede Valley.
De Zeventien Bruggen wasn’t always seventeen bridges. It boasts sixteen concrete arches. The seventeenth is a small bridge nestled beneath one of the arches. A clever bit of architectural trivia.
Construction began after World War I. The line opened in 1932. It was built for high-speed rail traffic. The 1935 World’s Fair in Brussels spurred its creation. De Zeventien Bruggen became a protected monument in 2004.
Today De Zeventien Bruggen is undergoing expansion. It’s being widened from two to four tracks. This impressive feat of engineering aims to preserve the viaduct’s original appearance. A testament to both progress and preservation.
Walk along the Breugel trail. You’ll find De Zeventien Bruggen a magnificent sight to behold. Its impressive scale and graceful arches remain a symbol of Belgian engineering prowess. This architectural marvel continues to connect Brussels and Ghent. It serves as a vital transportation artery. De Zeventien Bruggen stands as a lasting legacy a tribute to the past and a bridge to the future.