Sweco-Loket | Complex A12 Londerzeel-Zuid as a Model Example

The Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) and the contractor consortium ViA12 (Jan De Nul and Willemen) are planning the redevelopment of the Londerzeel-Zuid junction on the A12. Sweco is handling the application for the environmental permit for this DBFM project. On January 29, 2025, this application was declared complete and admissible upon first submission, marking an important milestone in the permit procedure.

Now follows a period of 180 days during which various advisory bodies will assess the application and a public inquiry will take place. Once the permit is granted, this dangerous intersection on the A12 can be transformed into a safe and efficient traffic junction for heavy traffic, cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Smooth and High-Quality Environmental Permit Application

Sweco has been appointed by ViA12 to prepare the Environmental Permit Application (OVA). This process was completed at a rapid pace with great care and attention from all parties. In just six months, the team compiled the dossier, including thorough adjustments to the reference design and necessary studies such as dewatering and hydraulic studies. All required documents and plans were prepared according to the rules of the Environmental Permit Decree.

The close collaboration between the various teams within Sweco and the contractors, as well as the cooperation with various stakeholders and the permitting authority, played a crucial role in the success of this permit process. Transparent communication and clear deadlines ensured that all parties remained informed of progress, requirements, and adjustments, contributing to an efficient process.

“By being involved from the start, the experts were able to identify potential bottlenecks and risks early on, leading to a smoother and more efficient permit process.”

Towards a Multimodal Traffic Complex

The project, commissioned by the Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV), is located along the A12 near Londerzeel. To the east of the A12 lies Westrode, a sub-municipality of Meise, and to the west the municipality of Londerzeel. Currently, the Londerzeelsesteenweg / Kerkhofstraat crosses the A12 via a signal-controlled intersection. This intersection is one of the last at-grade crossings between the R0 in Brussels and the Rupel, and therefore forms an important part of the transformation into a highway.

The redevelopment of the junction will significantly improve traffic safety and flow on the A12. The main objectives are:

• The A12 will be grade-separated and will have a separate on- and off-ramp complex.
• There will be a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to safely cross the A12. This bridge will be connected to the F28 cycle highway.