BESIX, BESIX Infra, and Socogetra are starting work on the Hector Henneau Avenue bridge over the Ring Road (R0). The bridge is in poor condition and is also an unsafe point for soft road users. The works are being carried out on behalf of De Werkvennootschap. This Friday afternoon, the works were officially kicked off by Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters and Mayor of Zaventem Ingrid Holemans. The end of the works is planned for the spring of 2024.
A multimodal new design
The current bridge, which dates back to the 1970s, will be replaced by a completely new one. The new bridge will be twice as wide and will greatly improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, as well as the traffic flow for public transport and cars. Local wildlife will be able to benefit from a separate crossing. The design of the new bridge is therefore an example of De Werkvennootschap's multimodal approach.
Marijn Struyf, spokesperson for De Werkvennootschap: "The new bridge on the H. Henneaulaan is a model of our approach. The bridge will be twice as wide and will provide space for all road users to move around smoothly and safely. Thanks to a fully protected cycle path, it will soon be pleasant to cycle over the future bridge. Pedestrians will also have their own lane, flanked by greenery. Animals will be able to move freely in a wildlife crossing. Separate lanes will be reserved for public transport in both directions.
The environment was also considered. The project promotes better harmony between the Ring Road and the adjoining nature. The valuable green areas that are now scattered on both sides of the Ring are being upgraded and made accessible to local residents and employees.
Phased work to limit disruption
The works will be divided into several phases in order to limit the disruption to traffic as much as possible. The new bridge will be built on a site just next to the motorway, in two parts. The first part will be placed against the old bridge in order to cope with the traffic flow on the Henneaulaan while the old bridge is demolished. After the demolition, the second part of the bridge will be placed and joined together with the first part.
Groundbreaking ceremony on 30 April 2021
Representatives of De Werkvennootschap, Werken aan de Ring, BESIX, BESIX Infra and Socogetra held the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Friday afternoon 30 April in the presence of the press and Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters and Mayor of Zaventem Ingrid Holemans. This moment is the official kick-off for the construction teams of this logistically challenging but much-needed infrastructure project on one of the most important traffic axes in our country. With this project, BESIX Group reaffirms its position as a reliable partner in the execution of complex infrastructure works in an operational environment. Other similar projects include the renovation of the Annie Cordy tunnel (ex-Leopold II tunnel) in the heart of Brussels, the construction of the missing link of the Fietsostrade between Zaventem and Diegem and the renovation and extension of the Herstal triple viaduct.
