RPT-FEATURE-Passions run high over Belgian bridge plan

* 20 years at conception stage, project ousted in referendum

* Plan crucial for Antwerp, Europe's second largest port

* Construction row threatens contracts, divides citizens

By Greg Roumeliotis

ANTWERP, Nov 12 (Reuters) - The Lange Wapper is a mischievous shape-shifting giant who in Flemish folklore taunts the people of Antwerp. So it was perhaps not the most fortunate choice of name for a planned major bridge for the city.

The 2.5 billion euro ($3.75 billion) plan has support from many companies around Europe's second largest port: Antwerp's Chamber of Commerce says 95 percent of its members back it. It would attract private capital in partnership.

But despite being touted by proponents as an opportunity to create a landmark for Antwerp to rival the likes of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and Sydney's Harbour Bridge, the plan to span the old harbour sits on a political faultline.

Many Antwerpers complain that the political powerhouse of Flanders -- French-speaking Brussels -- is seeking to impose its will on the Flemish economic engine in the Dutch-speaking north.