Pont L22 ('Pont du Souvenir') in Grâce-Hollogne, Belgium
The L22 bridge, part of the A42 motorway near Liège Airport, is disconnected on its north side, serving only as a footbridge. Its redundancy is evident as an underpass exists nearby. Despite this, the bridge is preserved due to its connection to the infamous Dutroux affair. In 1995, seven-year-old Julie Lejeune and Mélissa Russo were last seen at this bridge before their abduction by Marc Dutroux. The Dutroux case had profound consequences in Belgium, leading to police reforms and the creation of child protection organizations. This national tragedy left a lasting scar on the Belgian population, with sites associated with the case evoking deep unease. The L22 bridge, though not a site of death, is symbolically where this tragedy began. Locals refer to it as the 'Bridge of Remembrance', reflecting a desire to honor the victims. To give the bridge a new purpose, ANPR cameras and OBU detectors for tolls have been installed. These installations provide the bridge with a new function while keeping the memory of the young victims alive.
