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Flanders signs final contract for realisation of Oosterweel link

On Thursday 23 September 2021, the contract for the last part of the Oosterweel link was signed.

This day will go down in history as one of the heydays for the Oosterweel link project when the contract was signed for the execution of the final, and also biggest, leg of the works. This signature will make the Antwerp Ring Road completely circular. At least on paper.

In October 2021, the Oosterweel works will start at the Merksem Viaduct. These works are the largest and most impressive of the project. They clear the way for the construction of the Canal tunnels, the new tunnels at the bottom of the Albert Canal. In addition, the Merksem Viaduct will be demolished and the partially sunken Ring Road will be constructed. These major changes should complete Antwerp’s metamorphosis.

The works are scheduled to end by 2030, when the Oosterweel link will be officially inaugurated. It will be worth the wait, as it promises to be a pleasant place to be. A green place for walking, cycling and jogging. The go-to spot for picnics and family fun. In short, a place that connects.

Oosterweel is so much more than an infrastructure and liveability project. It is also the key to sustainable mobility and the lever for the modal shift.

Lydia Peeters

Flemish Minister for Mobility and Public Works

Alliance for a new future

The Oosterweel project kicked off in 2000. The aim is to make the Antwerp Ring road completely circular. The quality of life takes centre stage: smoother and safer mobility goes hand in hand with a greener and healthier environment. Over the years, this has led to several liveability projects, including seven ring road parks.

Minister-President of Flanders Jan Jambon agrees: "These works will have an impact and create challenges, but at the same time, they will clear the way to a new future. A future in which we take a different approach to mobility and infrastructure is the bearer of a symbiosis between a liveable environment and a prosperous region of Flanders."

It has to be said, the Oosterweel project is not only crucial for Antwerp, but also has an impact on Flanders as a whole and far beyond. It touches upon important aspects such as mobility, health, nature and safety, and plays an undeniable role from an economic point of view.

“At the same time, Oosterweel is so much more than an infrastructure and liveability project. It is also the key to sustainable mobility. After all, in the coming years we will have to make the shift to other forms of mobility. Oosterweel acts as the lever for this modal shift.”, says Flemish Minister for Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters.

Dialogue with the neighbourhood

Next month’s works will be clearly felt by local residents. As of 18 October, preparatory works will start on a temporary motorway, the Bypass, which will run parallel to the current Viaduct. As a result, both slip roads towards the Netherlands will be closed in Merksem and be completely renovated. They will not be reopened to through traffic until 2030.

“We realise that we will be working in people’s front or back yards so to speak. For this reason, the benefits of these high impact works should not only be felt after they have been completed. During the works themselves, we will work to create a safe environment for the neighbourhood, with space for green areas,” says Luc Hellemans, CEO of Lantis. “An intense dialogue with the neighbourhood should allow us to keep abreast of any concerns and questions people may have. The most impressive structure in Flanders should at the same time become the most liveable site in Flanders,” concludes Hellemans.

Expertise from Flanders

For the last part of the Oosterweel works, RechterOever COmpleet (ROCO) will be joining forces with ten top companies in Flanders, viz. BESIX, DEME Infra, Dredging International, JAN DE NUL, CORDEEL Zetel Temse, DENYS, FRANKI Construct, WILLEMEN Infra, VAN LAERE and BAM Contractors. Over the past years, they have been working together with Lantis towards the final signing of the contract.

“In the meantime, we are eager to get started,” says Lode Franken, Chairman of ROCO’s Management Board. “Each partner realises what a privilege it is to be involved in this project. More than ever, we feel that with this project we are building a future.”