The A11 Bruges motorway project is one of six ‘missing links’ in the Flemish road network and one of the largest DBFM projects (Design, Build, Finance and Maintain) for roads in Flanders.

Sweco Belgium is responsible for the multidisciplinary technical design commissioned by the Via Bruges contractors’ consortium.

Assignment
Sweco has concluded an agreement with the Via Bruges consortium to carry out the A11 study and design assignment. The project is being carried out via PPC (Public Private Collaboration) in a DBFM procedure. It concerns a complex interdisciplinary task that addresses all areas: design of motorway and underlying roads, sewer design, engineering structures, geotechnics, mobility and traffic, environmental aspects, permits.

Execution
It involves the realization, including the 30-year maintenance, of the main A11 road link between the N49 regional roads (the Natiënlaan by the Westkapelle residential centre in Knokke-Heist) and the N31 (by the ‘Blauwe Toren’ in Bruges) and this over a route of 12 km.

The A11 connects to the underlying road network via three junctions. In the southwest, the A11 will be connected to the N31 (in the direction of Bruges and Zeebrugge) via an interchange. In the northeast access to the port of Zeebrugge from the N49 will be improved with a connection to the Natiënlaan and construction of a new interchange. In approximately half of the route, a connection complex will be realized to open up the eastern part of the port. A new dual moveable bridge is being provided on the A11 across the Boudewijnkanaal, which ensures access for sea-going vessels to the inner port.

Results
In total, 55 kms of new road infrastructure are being constructed, including all underlying roads and cycle paths. The new highway ensures a better link between the port of Zeebrugge and the hinterland. By separating the port traffic from local traffic, the traffic safety and quality of life of the region will also be enhanced.

Photos © Tom D’haenens