8 December 2003
BRUSSELS – The German army has offered to supply Brussels with an emergency bridge to temporarily replace the Debroux viaduct, severely damaged by a fire at the weekend, causing traffic chaos.
The Three Fountains bridge beneath the viaduct was severely damaged by fire and is completely closed to traffic on what is one of Brussels’ main entry points.
The fire broke out in a building used by a petanque club underneath the bridge.
The Brussels government came to an agreement with Germany regarding the replacement bridge as the Belgian army does not have one large enough.
With the viaduct closed, many commuters have turned to public transport.
Belgian rail carried 10 percent more passengers on the Namur to Brussels route Monday, while an extra double-decker train was put into circulation and other trains were equipped with more carriages.
Flemish public transport company De Lijn has also introduced extra bus services to rail connections as buses from the villages of Overijse and Hoeilaart, south of Brussels, were delayed by up to one hour.
Subject: Belgian news