The best road cycling routes around Destelbergen

Good news, a temporary bridge has been installed for pedestrians and slow road users. The new permanent steel-concrete bridge is expected to open in October 2026, after which the temporary structure will be removed.

Luxurious yachts lie next to dilapidated boats. Bizarre contrast.

Spain ferry? Was there a ferry service here then? And what does this have to do with Spain? Wikipedia offers only a partial answer: The Spanjeveer (Spain ferry) sailed over the old arm of the Moervaart, which was dammed in 1966. It is not clear what the name Spain refers to or how old the ferry service was; however, there was already a Veerstraete in 1580. That ferry service ended in 1977. A "temporary" Bailey bridge was then built by the combat engineers of Burcht. The bridge was opened to traffic on April 1, 1977, for a maximum weight of 2.5 tons. On March 31, 1977, ferryman De Vilder made the last crossing with the ferry from Mendonk. The bridge was over 67 meters long and built on two sets of two wooden truss piers and was only one lane wide. The bridge connected the two halves of Mendonk on both banks of the Moervaart. A beam was placed above the road on both sides of the bridge at a height of 2.30 m. High vehicles could not use the bridge. This Bailey bridge was dismantled at the end of August 2025. Fortunately, there is now a temporary bridge for pedestrians and cyclists.

Spanjeveer? Was there a ferry service here then? And what does this have to do with Spain? Wikipedia offers only a partial answer: The Spanjeveer crossed the old arm of the Moervaart, which was dammed in 1966. It is unclear where the name Spanje refers to or how old the ferry service was; however, there was already a Veerstraete in 1580. That ferry service ended in 1977. A "provisional" Bailey bridge was then built by the combat engineers of Burcht. The bridge was opened to traffic on April 1, 1977, for a maximum weight of 2.5 tons. On March 31, 1977, ferryman De Vilder made the last crossing with the ferry from Mendonk. The bridge was over 67 meters long and built on two sets of two wooden truss piers and was only one lane wide. The bridge connected the halves of Mendonk on both banks of the Moervaart. A beam was placed above the road on both sides of the bridge at a height of 2.30 m. High vehicles could not use the bridge. This Bailey bridge will be demolished at the end of August 2025. A temporary bridge was built for pedestrians and cyclists. There will also be a cycle path through the bridge embankment on the right bank, for a cycle connection near Sint-Kruis-Winkel along the Moervaart.

Beautiful Scheldt crossing

Good news for our routes along the Moervaart! Although the new Spanjeveerbrug (between Mendonk and Sint-Kruis-Winkel) will only fully open to cars in October, we won't have to take a detour. 🥳 What you need to know: Cyclists & Pedestrians: A temporary bridge is ready, so our tours can continue to pass! 🚴‍♂️🚶‍♀️ The Future: The new bridge will have a separate cycle path and even a cycle tunnel under the towpath in Sint-Kruis-Winkel. Safety first for the autumn! Cars: Are you coming to the start by car? Please note that the passage for cars is still interrupted there until October.

quiet

As a cyclist, you ride straight into the town hall. The Scheldt pedestrian and cyclist bridge provides an elegant, modern crossing between the towpath and the center of Wetteren. The wide ramps eliminate the need for the old footbridge and stairs, giving the bridge a flowing, accessible line. From the highest point, you have an unobstructed view of the Scheldt, the dikes, and the green river plain.