Renewal of bridge boosts cycling mobility and living environment
De Vlaamse Waterweg nv has received approval for the construction of new access ramps to the cable-stayed bridge in Lanklaar (Dilsen-Stokkem). This upgrade will make the bridge more attractive for active road users, benefiting mobility and accessibility in the region. Sweco is responsible for the civil engineering design, infrastructure studies, and technical management, while ZJA is in charge of the architectural design.
The project is divided into two parts: the works on the left bank and the right bank. With permits for both banks in hand, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv can begin the construction of the new access ramps. The bridge over the Zuid-Willemsvaart, built in 2008, is currently only accessible via stairs with a bicycle gutter.
Glenn Talloen, Project Manager Infrastructure at Sweco: “With the new ramps, cyclists no longer have to dismount. The gentle slopes of 4 to 4.5% will comfortably bridge the 7-meter height difference and make the connection much more accessible for cyclists, people with strollers, and wheelchair users.”
Preparing for a smooth start
Sweco has already conducted various analyses, including a structural engineering study of the preliminary design phase and an interaction study with existing structures to verify feasibility. Additionally, cost estimation, tender specifications, and final study control are part of Sweco’s responsibilities.
The study period will begin in August 2024, with the actual construction starting this autumn and lasting at least a year, depending on weather conditions. The new ramps are expected to be operational in spring 2026, restoring the renewed connection over the canal.
Photo Credit: Jaagpad Richting Zuid | © ZJA
Left bank gets green experience space
On the left bank, the ramp will be integrated between the Zuid-Willemsvaart and the Bekaertlaan, winding its way through the area. It will partly be located on an embankment and partly on a concrete structure, allowing for a permeable area and the opportunity to transform the zone into a recreational space with suitable greenery.
Higher nature value for right bank
On the right bank, the entire ramp will be located mostly on the water, resting on a concrete structure supported by pillars to maintain the connection between the towpath and the canal.
Ricardo Ponce Guillen, structural engineer at Sweco: “Additional work will be carried out here, such as filling the canal with a new bank protection system and reinforcing the soil for foundations. This makes this project very diverse and attractive from a technical perspective. We are actually creating a new piece of land.”
To enhance the natural value on the land side, a grass-drainage zone will be created. The existing row of trees will be preserved and supplemented with new trees. A part of the canal will be filled, creating an open zone that will be designed as a spawning ground for fish, with inlet and outlet for fresh water. This will be an additional eye-catcher for the residents overlooking the area.
Strengthening bicycle tourism
The accessibility for pedestrians will be ensured through the integration of new stair constructions on both canal banks. The stairs will be integrated next to the V-shaped pillars to minimize spatial impact.
The bridge also serves as an important link for cycling tourism, as it provides easy access to Terhills Resort and the historic Tivoli site. Visitors can easily reach the De Wissen visitor center, one of the attractions in the area, via the bridge.
Privacy, safety and environment go hand in hand
A semi-open privacy screen will be integrated into the bridge railing on the eastern bank of the busy canal, designed to protect the privacy of the nearby residential area. This screen, implemented only on the right side of the embankment, ensures that cyclists and pedestrians do not have a direct view of the houses next to the bike ramp.
In terms of safety, continuous lighting will be integrated into the handrail, enhancing social safety. This innovative lighting solution is both environmentally friendly and minimizes light pollution, ensuring it does not disturb the local fauna and flora.
Photo Credit: View from plots | © ZJA
Technical specifications
The bridge and bicycle ramps have been designed with attention to detail and durability. Here are some important facts and figures:
- Maximum span between columns: 20 m.
- Connection to the existing bridge through a cantilever of 7.20 m.
- Total width of the bicycle path: 5.80 m.
- Reinforced concrete structure cast in place.
- V-type column with a width of 20 m and a steel staircase for pedestrians.
- Steel foundation due to the high bearing capacity of the ground.
- Railing with a screen to protect the privacy of the residents.
