The project is part of the project decision for the Westelijke Ontsluitingsweg (WOW), which forms part of the broader complex project “Creating Additional Capacity for Container Handling in the Port Area of Antwerp” (CP ECA), commissioned by the Flemish Government and co-financed by the European Union.
A second tidal dock will be created to the north of Doeldok in the Waaslandhaven, so there is a need for easy access for the extra freight traffic from this new dock and the other ECA building blocks to the main road network (the E34 and the R2). Westelijke Ontsluitingsweg will be constructed within this project, including rail and bicycle infrastructure and an adjacent buffer zone between the port area and the polder. This development also includes essential compensation measures (at Doelpolder Zuid).
A crucial element of the project is the construction of a primary access road associated with the planned second tidal dock. This road should allow smooth flow of freight traffic between the second tidal dock and the main E34 and R2 roads. Westelijke Ontsluiting will also provide a better connection between the existing sites in Waaslandhaven and the main road network, regardless of the development of additional container capacity or new logistics sites.
Westelijke Ontsluitingsweg, categorized as a major road, combined with an optimized connection to the E34, will provide a smooth and safe connection for freight and motor traffic from various development areas (Tweede Getijdendok, Noordelijk Insteekdok, Doeldok inland navigation quay, Waaslandkanaal west and Drie Dokken) to the higher road network (E34 and R2), thereby avoiding village centers. The road will also better connect existing establishments near the Deurganckdok, Doeldok, Verrebroekdok and Waaslandkanaal to the main road network.
The future western access structure, its physical incorporation and the connection of this to the existing road and rail network, will be studied and developed till design level by SBE. SBE is responsible for the technical feasibility, drainage study, dewatering study, preliminary design and drafting of the plans for the environmental permit for the landscape buffering to be created, which is located between Polder and the Port, construction of the bicycle infrastructure and construction of the access road. Outside of road construction, the study also includes a variety of tunnels and bridges.
One notable aspect is the planned bicycle bridge over the wye. This bridge with a width of 5.50 meters (18′) will provide cyclists with a functional route between the Hogendijk complex and the Deurganckdok-West complex.
This bicycle bridge has a distinctive length and curves. Its shape was inspired by the defined route that the cycling route was to take, over tracks and roads. Moreover, this was seen as an opportunity in terms of architectural perception. Inspired by the skeleton of a snake, a central shaft and transverse repetitive rib structure is provided throughout the route. In keeping with the image of the ribs, the bridge is finished with a balustrade that follows the underlying structure. The balustrade is composed of vertical posts with a transparent lattice structure between them so that the entire structure feels transparent, while creating a minimal contrast with its surroundings.
It was decided to incorporate the shades of the environment into the design of the bicycle bridge in order to integrate it into the landscape as optimally as possible. More specifically, this refers to sand colors in the subsurface where the sand is lighter on the surface and where it is in contact with groundwater it has a darker, somewhat browner hue. Bringing these colors back to the bridge itself creates a certain interplay with its surroundings, while attempting to avoid contrast. By working with two shades within the same spectrum, the different parts of the bridge can also be subtly differentiated to create more perspective and depth.
From Antwerp to India, SBE is taking steps in progress and innovation all over the world. Below you will find a selection of our most recent projects.
Curious about what is happening within SBE? Or in which projects we are involved? Through these newsitems we will keep you informed about our projects and the ins and outs within SBE.
