Why?
The Wilmarsdonk and Oosterweel bridges are in need of replacement. At the same time, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is improving traffic flow and road safety on the main axes of Oosterweel island with new traffic infrastructure.
Oosterweel island
The Oosterweel island in Antwerp will undergo comprehensive redevelopment within a few years. The structure will be updated and the traffic flows will be optimised, making the Oosterweel island safer and more efficient for traffic.
Initiator(s)
Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Duration
15/11/2021 - 30/09/2032
Location
Oosterweel island
Impact on companies
We will personally contact all the concessionaires and stakeholders directly involved.
What?
Two railway bridges
Two mobile bridges for rail traffic will replace the Wilmarsdonk bridge. During the construction of the Oosterweel bridge, these will divert road traffic. In addition to the railroad, there will also be some new roadways and a new control building. The radar tower will be relocated. To minimise disruption to inland navigation, these bridges will only be lowered for train passage.
New route for rail track
Rail traffic will receive a new line north of Wilmardonksteenweg with the renovation and construction of two tracks from the Noorderlaan bridge to Oosterweelsteenweg. Immediately south of the Wilmarsdonk bridges, the tracks will diverge: one to the east across the Vollers site and one connecting to the existing rail network via an underpass under the Oosterweelsteenweg embankment.
Rail and road traffic separated
- The existing Oosterweelsteenweg will remain the main axis for road traffic and will gain some new cycle paths.
- Construction of a new connecting road between Oosterweelsteenweg and Schenkeldijk.
- Road and drainage works in Wilmarsdonksteenweg, Oosterweelsteenweg to Noordkasteel bridges and connections to side streets.
- The intersections of rail with road traffic on the north side of the island will disappear. The rail crossings at the Noordkasteel bridges and the former Waterway Police will remain unchanged for now.
- The Noordkasteel bridges will be maintained in their current state. Both bridges will remain accessible to rail and road traffic.
Fixed bridge for road traffic, smooth passage for inland navigation
The Oosterweel bridge will be a raised, fixed overpass bridge with new lanes and cycle paths for road traffic. The height of the bridge should allow barges with high loads to pass through without any issues.
The embankment on the northern side will cross the existing route path of Oosterweelsteenweg between the Oosterweel bridge and Vosseschijnstraat.
The embankment on the southern side of the bridge will cross the existing route path of the existing Oosterweelsteenweg between the Oosterweel bridge and Wilmarsdonksteenweg. The connections from Vrieskaai and Schenkeldijk to Oosterweelsteenweg will disappear. They will be replaced by a new connection to the eastern part of the island in the extension of Wilmarsdonksteenweg.
Approach and phases
In 2025, the tender dossier will be further finalised. Subsequently, the bidding phase and negotiations will be launched to appoint a contractor by spring 2026.
From June 2026, we will critically review the design together with the contractor and the engineering firm. This way, we can be sure that we start the works with a technically feasible design and a final execution file. During this period, optimisations can also be discussed to keep the file financially feasible. Moreover, this phase ensures that we get the necessary guarantees regarding the management and maintenance of the new infrastructure after construction. This phase runs until February 2027.
At the same time (from June to October 2026), smaller works are already being carried out such as the construction of the ASW sports field and the construction of a cycle path between the Noordkasteel bridge and Lichterweg and a temporary diversion road between Wilmarsdonksteenweg (Thorntonroad) and Romeynsweel.
Major redevelopment works will then start from May 2027:
- The Wilmarsdonk bridges, the Wilmarsdonksteenweg and the railway tracks there will be up first. During these works, all road and rail traffic will cross the Oosterweel Bridge.
- Once this zone is finished, we will start on the Oosterweel Bridge and the new approach ramps. During these works, road and rail traffic will cross the Wilmarsdonksteenweg and Wilmarsdonk bridges.
- Finally, the zone of the Oosterweelsteenweg between the Wilmarsdonksteenweg and the Noordkasteel bridges will be rearranged.
Preliminary route
During the 2020-2021 period, we tested a total of 22 potential improvement scenarios against a reference scenario, with specimens of the Wilmarsdonk and Oosterweel bridges similar to those as they exist today. Following a comparison in terms of inconvenience and waiting times for road traffic, rail traffic and inland navigation, safety and budget, we established a preferred scenario. In late 2021, in collaboration with engineering consultancy Sweco and Infrabel, we began the detailed development of this preferred scenario.
As a result of the current economic conditions, by mid-2022 it was apparent that the necessary investments had risen very much.
Implementation no longer seemed feasible or socially acceptable. In the summer of 2022, we therefore revisited the scope and adjusted the starting points for further development.
From October 2022 to the end of 2024, we will continue the detailed study, the permit process and the tendering process with a view to sustainability.
The award process will run from late 2024 to March 2026.
Reporting and info point
Do you have any work-related questions, comments or complaints? Please don't hesitate to get in touch.
