A gigantic metal structure, as tall as a ten-storey building, was moved across the water in an operation requiring military-level precision. Officially inaugurated on the border between Ghent and Evergem, the new Piramidebrug is not merely a solution for road traffic and cyclists: it also incorporates a green corridor for wildlife.

(Editorial desk: Belgium / Engineering & Environment)

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Belgian engineering has reached a new milestone. On the border between Ghent and Evergem, over the Ringvaart canal, one of the region’s most spectacular bridges was officially inaugurated on 17 October 2026. Named Piramidebrug (Pyramid Bridge), it is more than a crossing: it is a feat of modern engineering that combines transport needs with environmental protection.

The figures behind a steel-and-concrete colossus

According to official information from Belgian construction company BESIX, which took part in the project, the bridge is impressive in scale:

• Length: 106 metres
• Width: 53 metres (roughly the width of a football pitch)
• Height: approximately 30 metres (the height of a ten-storey building)
• Total weight: 6,687 tonnes

Its distinctive pyramid-shaped structure, supported by cables, makes the bridge a striking visual landmark in Ghent’s port area.

A spectacular operation: moving 2,600 tonnes over water

One of the most challenging stages took place in March 2026, when the bridge’s steel framework, weighing around 2,600 tonnes, was assembled on land at a specially prepared site beside the canal.

Dozens of specialists then coordinated a highly precise relocation. The structure was loaded onto specialised transport platforms supported by pontoons and capable of carrying enormous loads. Over an entire weekend, the steel colossus was moved from the bank, transported across the Ringvaart canal and positioned on its prepared supports with millimetre-level accuracy.

A rare solution: a green highway for wildlife

Beyond its imposing appearance and its role in improving road traffic flow, the Pyramid Bridge incorporates a rare and important ecological feature. The authorities designed it to include a substantial ecological corridor.

According to the R4WO project, alongside the fast cycling route, the bridge includes a wide wildlife crossing. This ecoduct allows local wildlife—including small mammals, amphibians and invertebrates—to cross the canal safely without descending to water level or risking being struck by vehicles. In a Europe increasingly fragmented by infrastructure, this solution shows that economic development and biodiversity conservation can go hand in hand.

A celebration for the community

The bridge’s inauguration was a celebration for local residents. According to Flemish broadcaster VRT, around 3,000 people attended the event on 17 October. They could walk across the bridge before it officially opened to traffic, with activities including circus performances, carousels and food trucks.

The bridge is part of a major infrastructure upgrade project for R4 West and Oost, which will include improvements to 22 intersections and 27 kilometres of cycling infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Pyramid Bridge near Ghent is more than an engineering solution for crossing a canal. It represents Belgium’s intention to build ambitious infrastructure that serves people while making room for other living creatures. From moving 2,600 tonnes of steel over water to integrating a green wildlife corridor, the project shows that construction need not conflict with nature: it can be designed to protect it.