Wooden bridge tops off a high-quality cycle highway
Along the E40, on cycle highway F203 between Brussels and Bertem, cyclists now enjoy a new safe, conflict-free connection -comfortable, smooth and surrounded by greenery. The showpiece is an impressive wooden cycling bridge, part of a network of more than 100 kilometres of new cycling infrastructure around Brussels. The wooden beams with a concrete deck are both attractive and functional: the concrete protects the timber from water infiltration, extending its lifespan.
The result is a pleasant cycling experience and a long-lasting construction with minimal maintenance. Wood is renewable, has a low ecological footprint, and blends beautifully into the landscape thanks to its natural character. As a partner in the interdisciplinary team, our contribution ranges from the concept and initial report to permits, final design and specifications.
First Belgian weighbridge in weatherproof steel
For years, the old bridge on Hector Henneaulaan in Zaventem was a dangerous bottleneck. Today, it has been replaced by a striking landmark in weathering corten steel. This material is as strong as regular steel but develops a protective rust layer, eliminating the need for coating. That reduces maintenance and benefits the environment. A wide footpath and cycle way are shielded from motorised traffic along the entire length. The bus has its own dedicated lane. And thanks to eco-ducts, animals can cross safely.
The project literally bridges valuable green zones on both sides. Green buffers provide cooling and retain rainwater on site. Our design results in infrastructure with clear ecological and social benefits. We also handle the permits, procurement process and tender dossier. From the very beginning, we adopt an intensive ‘reduced disruption’ approach, ensuring traffic can keep flowing, except for two weekend closures.
“The rusting of the steel is intentional and forms a natural protective layer, requiring no maintenance. Such a bridge is more expensive than concrete but pays for itself.”
A safer and smoother intersection
How do you tackle one of the busiest traffic arteries around Brussels while keeping easy access to the airport, city and business districts? With a Single Point Interchange: a compact and inventive junction that replaces the old R0 × A201 interchange. All junctions on and off converge at a single location. A conflict-free traffic light system ensures smoother, safer and more efficient flow. The compact layout creates space for nature, water buffers and active mobility.
As part of the MoVeR0 consortium, we have contributed from day one: writing the initial brief and concept proposal, engaging with stakeholders and providing input for the DBFM tender. During the preferred bidder and construction phases, we support De Werkvennootschap by reviewing technical documents and assisting with permit applications. The result: a busy traffic node transformed into a more liveable link in Brussels’ mobility network.
Multimodal and elegant: the longest cycle bridge in Flanders
MULTIMODAL AND ELEGANT: THE LONGEST CYCLE BRIDGE IN FLANDERS
710 metres long. 15 steel spans. The cycle bridge over the Leopold III-laan significantly shortens travel time between Machelen and Zaventem. Cyclists avoid dangerous crossings with cars, buses or trams and connect directly to the future cycle highway F201 -the link between the airport and the capital’s centre. Its parabolic form rests on slender V-shaped pillars, giving the bridge an elegant silhouette. Parapets with wooden handrails and integrated LED lighting enhance safety. Rainwater is drained through open steel U-channels into infiltration basins beneath the bridge.
Using GIS and BIM, we streamline the entire process and design more efficiently -an approach that earned us the BIM Infrastructure Award. As part of the MoVeR0 consortium, we are involved from the start until contract award, while providing back-office support for technical queries during implementation.
Facelift for a Ring Road icon
Around half a century ago, the first cars crossed the Vilvoorde Viaduct -and perhaps you still do, along with 150,000 other motorists daily. The structure rests on 22 rows of pillars and consists of two bridges of roughly 2 kilometres each. To meet today’s standards and make room for a fourth lane, the viaduct is undergoing a major full renovation. We are reinforcing the structure so heavy exceptional transport can pass.
Our first job? Removing the coating that contains asbestos. After which it is time to replace the asphalt layer with ultra-strong concrete and strengthen the steel supporting structure. New crash barriers and energy-efficient lighting will then be installed. As part of the MoVeR0 consortium, we perform structural assessments of the existing viaduct, draft basis reports and renovation concepts, provide input for the DBFM specifications and engage with contractors during negotiations. With this, the viaduct’s lifespan will be extended by at least 50 years while minimising disruption through smart phasing.
Multimodal mobility takes shape on the A12
The busy junction on the A12 in Londerzeel-South is being transformed into a multimodal mobility solution with a renewed interchange. Two new bridges are rising above the motorway: one for local traffic and one for active road users. The latter offers a comfortable, gradient-friendly cycling connection that links directly to cycle highway F28. Our design emphasises reduced material use and improved water management.
To match all pieces of the design puzzle, we are integrating civil engineering and mobility with urban management, climate adaptation and water management. The surrounding environment benefits too: buffer basins and native planting boost biodiversity and create a natural setting. The Sweco Loket streamlines the permitting process and successfully delivered a complete, compliant permit dossier within six months.
