After nearly 800 years as the pride and town symbol of Tournai, Belgium, the 13th-century Pont des Trous, or ‘Bridge of Holes’ has been condemned to make way for bigger barges. The name refers to the three arched openings, which are already being removed.
The process has upset many local residents, who say they weren’t consulted about alternatives or even whether demolition was necessary. The work is being done as part of the Seine-Scheldt Plan, which will allow cargo traffic from the Seine to reach Antwerp, Belgium.
The bridge was seriously damaged in World War II, but was repaired shortly after, with a mdification. The three original arches were of equal size; the post-war reconstruction widened the center arch to make room for the shipping of that day. The towers have historic protection and won’t be affected; no plans have been announced yet for what kind of new bridge will link them.
