Oosterweel Link - Right Bank (ROCO)

Largest subproject of the Oosterweel Link, an infrastructure project designed to close the Ring Road of Antwerp.

BESIX and BESIX Infra, together with seven other contractors form the ROCO consortium, working for Lantis to create smoother and safer traffic by closing off the Antwerp Ring and upgrading key road infrastructure. JV ROCO is responsible for the largest segment of the Oosterweel project, which includes constructing the Canal tunnels, developing the sunken ring road, and building the temporary bypass in Merksem.

Project Overview

Due to the complexity of the Oosterweel Link, the project has been divided into several subprojects. ROCO is responsible for the largest section: Lot 3B on the right bank of the city of Antwerp. Their mission is to complete the northern section of the Ring by constructing the Canal Tunnels. It also includes dismantling the iconic Merksem viaduct to make way for a sunken ring road that will seamlessly connect neighborhoods and create a modern, green urban zone.

The Canal Tunnels consist of two stacked tunnels, beginning at the Amerikadok and diverging beneath the canal. Building these tunnels requires 4.7 kilometers of diaphragm walls reaching depths of up to 60 meters. These walls stabilize the groundwater and allow the ROCO team to create dry construction pits, essential for the tunnel works.

The Merksem viaduct will be demolished to pave the way for a partially sunken ring road, which will be covered with parks and green spaces. To maintain traffic flow during construction, ROCO is also building a temporary bypass supported by 100 pillars and 915 beams, each measuring 30 meters in length and weighing 50 tons.

Scope of works

Construction of the Canal Tunnels
Installing diaphragm walls reaching depths of up to 60 meters
R1-Noord: the current Ring road disappears and the viaduct of Merksem will be demolished. In its place, JV ROCO builds a sunken Ring Road which will be partially covered.
Construction of a temporary bypass to replace the viaduct during the works.
Construction of a new buffer tube in Merksem to protect the neighbourhoods against flooding

Key Highlights

BESIX as a trustworthy partner for the construction project of the century: In addition to JV ROCO, BESIX also plays a key role within the COTU consortium, responsible for the Scheldt Tunnel. BESIX Unitec is further involved in the technical installations across the entire Oosterweel Link. BESIX Group also made a notable contribution to the Royers Lock.

Innovative contract approach: The NEC4 contract form was selected, representing a fully integrated and solution-oriented way of working with the client, Lantis. This marks a first for Belgium.

Ambitious safety standards: The site aims to set the benchmark for safety within Belgium. It strives for zero accidents and operates in accordance with level 4 on the safety ladder.