Splash247: Antwerp awards contract for major port transport overhaul

Published by Splash247

Port of Antwerp-Bruges has awarded a contract for the redevelopment of Oosterweel Island, a major road, rail and bridge project intended to improve freight movements through the Antwerp port area.

The contract has been awarded to TM Crusoë, a consortium comprising BESIX Infra, BESIX Unitec, ARTES Rogiers, ARTES Depret, Aelterman and De Meyer.

The project will replace the ageing Wilmarsdonk and Oosterweel bridges and reorganise road and rail traffic across the island.

Two movable rail bridges will replace the existing Wilmarsdonk bridge. They will normally remain raised to minimise disruption to inland shipping and will be lowered when trains need to cross.

A new double-track railway alignment will also be built between the Noorderlaan bridge and Oosterweelsteenweg, removing several conflicts between trains and road vehicles.

The Oosterweel bridge will be replaced by a higher fixed road bridge designed to allow laden inland vessels to pass beneath it without waiting for the crossing to open.

The wider programme includes new roads, drainage infrastructure, cycling routes, a bridge-control building and the relocation of an existing radar tower.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges said the redesign would separate more road and rail movements, improve access to businesses and reduce delays for inland navigation.

The contractor and project team will spend the period through February 2027 completing the detailed construction design and assessing potential technical and financial optimisations.

Major construction is scheduled to begin in May 2027. The Wilmarsdonk bridges, surrounding railway and road infrastructure will be tackled first, allowing traffic to use the existing Oosterweel crossing during that phase.

Work will then shift to the Oosterweel bridge and its approach roads before the remaining section of Oosterweelsteenweg is rebuilt.

The overall project is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2032. The port did not disclose the value of the contract.