Wijnegem embraces its new cycling link over the Albert Canal

The festive opening of the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Wijnegem over the Albert Canal marks the final milestone in the successful redevelopment of the canal zone. This fine achievement has been warmly welcomed by local residents and passers-by. It was made possible thanks to an intensive, multidisciplinary collaboration between De Vlaamse Waterweg nv and TM Arcadis–Sweco, who enlisted ZJA for the architectural design.

During the opening, it became clear how strongly the bridge lives in Wijnegem. The local authority of Wijnegem and De Vlaamse Waterweg nv turned the inauguration into a welcoming public event for young and old alike, with speeches, a cheerful cycling fanfare, group rides and activities on both sides of the canal.

A safe connection for cyclists and pedestrians

Together with the new road bridge, which has been in use since June 2024, the new bridge permanently replaces the old “banana bridge” with two separate connections, each tailored to its users. The new cyclist and pedestrian bridge is designed as a fully-fledged, segregated route for active road users, featuring a four-metre-wide cycle path, a three-metre-wide footpath, a gentle gradient of 4 percent, and rest platforms along the way. This makes the crossing not only safer, but also more comfortable and accessible for a wide range of users, from schoolchildren and commuters to recreational cyclists and walkers.

Sweco delivers integrated engineering

Within the TM Arcadis–Sweco partnership, we played a key role in the transformation of the bridge site in Wijnegem. Sweco carried out the preliminary study and took on a broad assignment: from mobility studies and traffic simulations to modelling work, structural analyses of the steel construction, design of the drainage system, preparation of permits, support for the tender dossier and supervision of the works.

This integrated approach was essential in a project where infrastructure, mobility, safety and spatial integration converge. By considering all these aspects within a single, coherent design and execution process, we helped turn it into a well-considered spatial project. The new bridge demonstrates how integrated engineering can contribute to infrastructure that performs on multiple levels at once.

New canal zone better connected to cycling network and surroundings

The cycling and pedestrian bridge does not stand alone. It is part of a completely redesigned environment, with new cycling paths, safe connections and a logical link to the local cycling network. The bridge connects to Lindenlei and to routes towards Kasteellei, the park and the centre of Wijnegem. Infrastructure on both banks has also been adapted to make crossing movements safer and clearer.

This makes the bridge a tangible improvement to the daily mobility of residents, schoolchildren and recreational cyclists. The new link removes conflicts between different modes of transport, gives cyclists and pedestrians a full-fledged place, and at the same time enhances the quality of the public space.

Visualisations: © ZJA | Photos: © De Vlaamse Waterweg nv