24 March 2026

Ringvaart bridge successfully installed

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Last weekend, we reached a major milestone in the R4WO project: the new bridge over the Ringvaart was successfully placed in its final position. After months of preparation, the impressive steel structure was installed in stages across the Ringvaart.

Precision work along the Ringvaart

The new bridge was built over the past months on a site next to the Ringvaart. Last weekend, we moved the structure step by step between the banks of Evergem and Ghent.

This was done using specialised transport equipment and pontoons on the water. First, part of the bridge was moved to the opposite bank of the Ringvaart. Then, the entire structure was transported along both banks to the abutments and carefully positioned onto its supports. A remarkable feat that you can see in detail in this video.

A distinctive gateway to the Port of Ghent

The new bridge is not only striking in design, but also in size:

  • length: 106 meters
  • width: 55 meters
  • height: approximately 30 meters
  • weight of the steel structure : 2,600 tonnes

This makes the bridge roughly the size of a football field!

With 3 lanes in each direction, a cycle path with a green zone and an 8-metre-wide ecological passage, ‘our’ Ringvaart bridge is a showcase of future-oriented mobility.

TRUE CRAFTMANSHIP

The striking pyramid shape — designed by architect Laurent Ney — makes the new Ringvaart bridge a real eye-catcher. A team of engineers developed the bridge. The Ghent-based steel workshop Victor Buyck Steel Construction manufactured the different bridge components. These were transported one by one by water to the final site, where they were assembled on location.

 

"The bridge in focus today is an impressive steel structure. But what truly makes it special is the way it was built. It is the result of an integrated approach in which design, engineering and execution were continuously aligned."

Dominique Valcke, CEO Stadsbader Group

A little more patience before traffic crosses the bridge

Now that the bridge is in place, we are continuing the finishing works, including a concrete deck, asphalt road surface, lighting, signage, road markings and landscaping.

In the meantime, the temporary bypass on the old bridge remains in use for traffic on the R4. If everything goes according to plan, the bridge will be officially opened in the autumn!