Hector Henneaulaan Zaventem

The existing bridge on Hector Henneaulaan over the Ring Road in Zaventem, near the business parks, was at the end of its lifespan and has therefore been replaced by two new steel bridges. The new bridges have spacious cycle paths, separate bus lanes and an ecopassage for animals migrating between the green areas to the left and right of the Ring Road, in addition to lanes for cars.

Safe traffic

The main purpose of the work at Zaventem-Henneaulaan was to make connections faster and safer for cyclists and buses between the Flemish Periphery (Vlaamse Rand) and Brussels. Previously, buses were stuck in traffic jams and cyclists risked their lives crossing the bridge. The current renewed on- and off-ramps to the Ring Road already consider future plans for the Ring Road itself.

Minimized disruption

The works were carried out in various phases to minimize and never significantly disrupt traffic. Initially, a new bridge (CW.01) was constructed on-site next to the motorway. When the first half of the bridge was ready, it was moved against the old bridge. Traffic on Henneaulaan then used the new bridge half. Subsequently, the old bridge was demolished and replaced by the second part of the new bridge (CW.02). Finally, both bridge parts were combined to form one new bridge.

Weather-resistant steel design

This bridge design for road traffic in Corten steel is a first in Belgium, as such constructions were mainly used for bicycle or pedestrian bridges until now. A notable advantage is the reduced need for maintenance. Unlike regular bridges, this bridge does not require periodic painting, which often necessitates partial closure of the Ring Road.