Bypass Oosterweel: From Viaduct to Deepened Ring Road

The Bypass, the temporary highway next to the Antwerp Ring Road, is entering a new construction phase. Contractor TM ROCO is currently placing the beams for the bridge deck. Sweco is overseeing the design and execution of this crucial project on behalf of Lantis.

Bypass Oosterweel: van viaduct naar verdiepte Ring

We do this through the Integrated Project Management (IPM) Team, which helps steer the project and closely monitors the schedule, technical quality, and budget. Additionally, we leverage our extensive expertise in areas such as structural engineering, permits, earthmoving, and soil & environment, reviewing the contractor’s designs and challenging the execution.

Since 2012, Sweco has been involved in the design of the Oosterweel connection through the joint ventures RoTS and ATLAS. For many years, we have also been working in an integrated team alongside Lantis.

Smooth and Safe Traffic Remains a Top Priority

This Bypass is crucial for the dismantling of the Merksem viaduct and for placing the northern Antwerp Ring underground. This allows traffic to continue flowing on the highway during construction while keeping it out of the residential neighborhoods of Deurne and Merksem.

Simulation: Future Vision of Bypass North with a View of the Sportpaleis
© Lantis

A Remarkable Feat in Terms of Structural Engineering

To accommodate the traffic currently using the Merksem viaduct, a robust temporary structure is required. Starting with an inventive method of CSM piles as a foundation, the construction then rises to heights where ultimately 100 pillars will support the temporary bridge. TM ROCO* is now laying large concrete beams on the pillars. For the northern part of the Bypass, from the Sports Palace to the Antwerp-North interchange (A12 x E19), there are precisely 915 beams. These beams weigh an average of 50 tons and are 30 meters long. The heaviest beams even weigh 95 tons and measure 45 meters in length.

*TM ROCO is the contractor that will build the canal tunnels under the Albert Canal, as well as the lowered and covered R1. The consortium consists of the contractors BESIX, BESIX INFRA, Cordeel, DEME, Jan De Nul, Denys, Franki Construct, Van Laere, and Willemen Infra.

Ring Parks Connect Fauna and Neighborhoods

The northern part of the city is undergoing a complete makeover. Highway traffic will go partly underground, and the Merksem viaduct at the Sportpaleis will disappear. Instead, a sunken Ring with coverings will be created, making space for parks and greenery. New Ring Parks will appear above ground, perfect for sports, play, and relaxation.

The realization of the entire Oosterweel connection, along with the covering and livability projects, is known as one of the largest engineering projects in Europe.