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Projects: Waterways
| Renovation Albert canal | Renovation locks |
Waterways: Bridges Albert canal
Objective
BAM tackles the construction of these water works in order to considerably improve traffic flow around the Albert canal:
• Existing cycle crossings will be renovated and there will be a new cycle bridge near Kruiningenstraat.
• Public transport will be given a crossing point in two locations, separated from other traffic: a new bridge near the Luchtbal within the framework of the tram extension to Ekeren, and a separate tram- and bus lane on the renovated G. Theunis bridge near the Sportpaleis.
• Two bridges will handle area car traffic: the Hoogmolen bridge and the bridge near Noorderlaan.
• Traffic between the town centres of Merksem and Deurne-Noord will remain a local car link.
• The railway bridges over the Albert canal will also be raised.
Environmental impact
BAM is investing 308 mio EUR for the interventions to the waterways (Albert canal, renovation of the Royers lock and the Van Cauwelaert lock). To the population they are not the most visible works, but they do have a hugely positive impact on the environment.
An inland vessel with a capacity of 4,500 tons replaces 450 lorries. The renovation works will open up the Albert canal to inland vessels with double that capacity. One 9,000-ton ship uses less energy to complete a journey than two 4,500-ton ships. In addition it replaces 900 lorries in one full swoop.
BAM also uses the works to carry out improvement works in favour of soft road users.
Description
The works on the Albert Canal are being carried out in two phases:
• In an initial phase the first five bridges from the Straatsburg dock are replaced by new higher bridges. Under the bridges the canal is widened. The design studies and analyses the traffic-specific function of the bridges in order to guarantee improved transport within the wider framework of the Master Plan, especially for Antwerp North. That involves not only a better through-flow of public transport and car and lorry traffic, but also safe cycle paths.
The building of the bridges is provided for in the period 2006-2008. This zone is tackled first, because it is here that the greatest bottlenecks for shipping are found.
• In a second phase the other bridges as far as Schoten are to be dealt with, in particular the Deurne bridge (Azijnbrug) and the Hoogmolen bridge. In Schoten, near Kruiningenstraat, a new bridge for cyclists is to be built.
Status
Together with the most important stakeholders BAM looked into the interference of the various projects that converge in Antwerp-North. The preliminary study for the Noorderlaan bridge has already got under way. For the rail bridges, the preliminary designs were started after the feasibility studies were completed.
Execution period
Phase 1: 2008 - 2014
- Noorderlaan bridge
- Spoor bridge (Luchtbal)
- Ijzerlaan bridge (on hold until final decision on Oosterweel link)
- Deurne-Bal bridge
Phase 2: 2014 - 2016
-Theunis bridge
- New pedestrian bridge (Kruininge Street)
- Hoogmolen bridge
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Waterways: Renovation locks
Objective
Rapid and efficient processing of the increased number of cargo ships, also in extreme weather conditions. The renovation of the Royers lock, the Van Cauwelaert lock and the Kattendijk lock assures a smooth link across the Scheldt to the inner terminals, the right bank and the Albert canal.
Description
The Royers lock is the most important access gate to the port for inland navigation vessels. It dates from 1908 and the government currently has to spend EUR 2 to 5 million every year for urgent maintenance work. The same problem is posed for the Van Cauwelaert lock which dates from 1928.
These locks have to ensure a good connection between the Scheldt and its inner terminals on the Right Bank and the link with the Albert Canal, also in the event of stormy weather or high tides. BAM is investing in a thorough refurbishment, so that both locks are given a new lease of life. The plans make provision for an improvement of the access roads over the locks.
Status
The study for the refurbishment of the Van Cauwelaert lock has been completed and the building permit has been granted.
The preparatory studies for the adaptations to the Royers lock have been started by the Maritime Access Department. After a comprehensive study of the economic impact of the type of refurbishment, the decision was taken to opt for a semi-hard refurbishment to a width of 27 metres. The works are planned to take place between 2014 and 2017.
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