Built to facilitate access to the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58), the Leopold II viaduct was extended in 1970 with a temporary metal bridge over the Simonis metro station, which was then under construction. In the 1980s, the desire to return the city to its residents led to the demolition of these structures and the inauguration in 1986 of what is now the Annie Cordy Tunnel.
The neighbourhood, which had become uninhabitable because of the viaduct, was redeveloped in 1990 and 1991.
The walk will start in front of Kanal (former Citroën garage) before passing along the canal and Avenue du Port/Havenlaan to wind up at the Simonis metro station. You will be able to admire some very attractive renovations of old town houses adjoining or enclosed within more recent buildings, the imposing postmodernist buildings of the 1990s and others from the years since.
The walk will take you along a route that has reverted to a normal urban environment after being blighted for over three decades.