From high-fly-over to safe connection
High above the Antwerp-West junction, two elegant fly-overs draw lines in the sky. They connect the E17, R1 and Kennedy Tunnel in one smooth stroke. We are providing the engineering that makes this complexity possible: bridges with a hollow structure, box girders that are strong and space-efficient. Since the route curves, the bridge deck is slightly tilted to ensure a safe driving experience. Everything is fitted into the limited space of this junction, overlooking Sint-Annabos and Blokkersdijk.
In the first design phase, we are refining the plans for infrastructure, engineering masterpieces and landscape integration. Then follows phase two, where quality of life takes centre stage with higher embankments and noise barriers, comfortable cycling facilities and an ecoduct near the Kennedy Tunnel. The eco- and cycling tunnel along Laarsebeek will feature wide paths, gentle slopes, clear lighting and integration of nature within the Ring Parks.
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Water for Blokkersdijk
The Blokkersdijk nature reserve is suffering from drought. Annual measurements show declining water levels, putting strain on its fragile biotope. Instead of standing by, together with Natuurpunt and Lantis, we are giving water a new lease of life. We are recovering the groundwater pumped up during the construction of the nearby Scheldt Tunnel.
First, we purify the PFAS-contaminated water in a specialised installation. It then flows through sand and wetland filters into the nature reserve, eventually discharging as clean water into the Blokkersdijk pond. Goal: returning 100,000 m³ of water to nature, the equivalent of 40 Olympic swimming pools. Step by step, we are helping to revive this European protected waterbird habitat.
“First water, the rest will follow. Blokkersdijk is drying out. We are purifying the pumped-up water from the Oosterweel site to almost drinking-water quality. We surely wouldn’t lose it directly into the Scheldt.”
A giant under the Scheldt
On the edge of Antwerp, we are building a milestone: the Scheldt Tunnel. Beneath the river, between Sint-Annabos and Noordkasteel, this connects the Left Bank to the city. The tunnel is two kilometres long, with three lanes in each direction and a six-metre-wide cycling duct, making it one of the longest bicycle tunnels in Europe. Eight tunnel elements form the building blocks.
Each element is taller than Antwerp Cathedral and heavier than 350 Boeing 747s. One by one, they are transported by tugboat from the construction dock in Zeebrugge and lowered into the Scheldt. We are contributing to the design, the layout of the construction dock, the infrastructure works and supervision of implementation. A technical masterpiece, guided by mobility and a better quality of life in Flanders.
“At Lantis we are pioneers and bridge builders, working passionately every day on complex mobility and liveability projects in the Antwerp region. The Oosterweel Link connects people, companies and regions, creating an energy brimming with new opportunities. This ensures safer, smoother traffic and contributes to a strong and sustainably growing Flemish economy.”
Seven ring parks, one delightful city
De Grote Verbinding is transforming Antwerp into a city that can breathe again. The project brings together the Oosterweel Link, a new Scheldt Bridge, and seven ring parks that add over 400 hectares of green space. Integrated design is key. Mobility, ecology, water management and quality of life are united under one vision. By designing bridges, parks and infrastructure in coherence, we avoid conflicts, use space optimally and create solutions that work both technically and socially.
The ring parks offer tangible benefits. Rainwater is captured, reducing flood risk. In hot summers they provide cooling and improve the urban climate. Traffic noise is reduced, the air purified. Nature areas reconnect, and residents enjoy safe, green walking and cycling trails.
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Clever digital engineering supports a mighty silo
The year is 1895. Antwerp is booming, grain ships from America arrive and architect Frans Van Dijk builds a monumental brick silo for the Société Anonyme des Magasins à Grains d’Anvers, SAMGA for short. This grain fortress with its ingenious conveyor belts is unique in Belgium and far beyond. Today, it stands in the heart of the Oosterweel works, and is still standing thanks to our digital precision.
What is our approach? First, we create a detailed model based on a 3D scan. With Plaxis 2D we simulate soil movements and vibrations caused by tunnelling and foundation works. Then, using DIANA software, we analyse stability down to the level of subsidence and cracks. We combine this digital strength with decades of expertise: masonry testing, site investigations, pile analysis and continuous monitoring. This is how we reconcile complex infrastructure works with a protected historic monument.
The port knot unravels, the canal comes in
The Wilmarsdonk and Oosterweel bridges are worn-out links in Antwerp’s port area. This moment of renewal is an opportunity to improve the entire functioning of the Oosterweel Island by unravelling the knots between transport modes. We are managing the full design for this ambitious redevelopment. Two new movable steel railway bridges will soon give companies smooth rail access. An emergency control building, radar tower and multiple technologies ensure intelligent traffic management. The iconic Oosterweel Bridge will make way for a raised fixed steel bridge with viaduct structures, reinforced earthworks and a rail tunnel.
Our approach? Multidisciplinary and system-oriented. We see rail, road and water as one dynamic whole. New roadways, safe cycling paths, separated traffic flows and guided utility drillings under the docks all form part of the bigger picture. Together with the contractor, we continue optimising as a cohesive construction team.
The port knot unravels, the canal comes in
The Wilmarsdonk and Oosterweel bridges are worn-out links in Antwerp’s port area. This moment of renewal is an opportunity to improve the entire functioning of the Oosterweel Island by unravelling the knots between transport modes. We are managing the full design for this ambitious redevelopment. Two new movable steel railway bridges will soon give companies smooth rail access. An emergency control building, radar tower and multiple technologies ensure intelligent traffic management.
The iconic Oosterweel Bridge will make way for a raised fixed steel bridge with viaduct structures, reinforced earthworks and a rail tunnel. Our approach? Multidisciplinary and system-oriented. We see rail, road and water as one dynamic whole. New roadways, safe cycling paths, separated traffic flows and guided utility drillings under the docks all form part of the bigger picture. Together with the contractor, we continue optimising as a cohesive construction team.
Soil as the starting point
In Antwerp, we are digging deep. Very deep. In total, around 15 million m³ of soil is being moved, enough to cover the city centre with one metre of earth. But soil is not moved lightly. Our soil specialists analyse composition, perform exploratory and descriptive studies, and prepare remediation projects, ensuring that groundwork is always precisely managed.
Contaminated soil, PFAS or otherwise, is safely taken to a treatment centre or approved landfill. A network of 200 piezometers tracks groundwater levels in real time. These insights form the basis for designing PFAS water treatment installations. And our thinking is circular. A demolition-follow-up plan for the entire project area enables selective dismantling and high-quality material reuse. The result: clean soil underground, fresh water and circular reuse. While above ground the ring slowly takes shape.
De Nieuwe Rand: shared control
How do you transform the eastern part of Antwerp, from Berendrecht to Ranst, into a place where commuting runs smoothly? And how do you combine that mobility task with a climate belt for a better quality of life in the region? That is the mission of De Nieuwe Rand. Together with Oosterweel, this complex project stems from the Toekomstverbond, in which the government, port and citizens align their expectations.
From a possible link between the A12 and E313 to accelerating the modal shift: choices are complex, the approach innovative. No plans behind closed doors, but open workshops where authorities, experts, citizen groups and civil society share control. Our role? Translating the abundance of research insights into clear language. Coherent, substantiated and accessible. Ensuring every voice in the debate is heard and influences navigation towards the future. What is decided here will shape how the Rand lives, moves and breathes. Now and for generations to come.
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