STADSBADER CONTRACTORS launches works on Brussels Airport tram line
Along the Brussels ring road, STADSBADER CONTRACTORS has today, Monday 30 March, started the works for the first phase of the “Brussels Airport Tram” project, commissioned by De Werkvennootschap. This new tram line will connect Brussels with Brussels Airport and the business zone along the Leopold III Avenue (A201). Flemish Minister for Mobility and Public Works Annick De Ridder attended the official launch. The works are expected to be completed within three years.
This first phase covers the entire crossing of the tram alignment over the R0 ring road. It includes the construction of two structures: a tram and cycle bridge over the railway and a tram and cycle viaduct over the R0, with an earth embankment between the tracks and the slip road towards Sint-Stevens-Woluwe. The Design & Build contract is being carried out by the consortium TM BESIX, STADSBADER CONTRACTORS and Victor Buyck Steel Construction, with BESIX and STADSBADER CONTRACTORS responsible for all concrete structures, roadworks and drainage works, as well as access ramps, while Victor Buyck Steel Construction is responsible for the steel bridges.
Works along a busy traffic corridor
The project presents significant challenges, not least due to its location along the busy Brussels ring road on the one hand, and the country’s busiest railway line on the other. This required a safe and efficient solution for the final installation of the bridges. The bridge over the R0, whose segments are assembled at a pre-assembly site, will be launched in three parts across the ring road without ever stopping traffic. The second bridge, which spans the railway, will be installed during a 72-hour Temporary Line Closure (TLC) of train traffic — a deadline that is fixed in advance and cannot be missed. In addition, the consortium is working next to the major construction site for the redevelopment of the R0 x A201 road complex, which significantly limits the available workspace. During the works, traffic on the R0 will be reduced to narrower lanes with a maximum speed of 70 km/h.
“Like our partners within the consortium, we have already left our mark on many projects of Werken aan de Ring. We built the F29 cycling highway between Brussels and Tervuren and the one between Brussels and the Walloon border along the E411, we delivered the De Priorij Ecorecreaduct, and we are currently renovating the Vilvoorde Viaduct. To support the steel bridges, we will construct reinforced concrete piers which, thanks to their shape and finish, will also become true eye-catchers. We look forward to combining our expertise and strengths in this collaboration.”
Jan Folens, Executive Director STADSBADER CONTRACTORS nv
“With the start of these works, we are taking an important step towards the creation of a new, sustainable mobility axis for our capital. Working along the ring road and the country’s busiest railway line requires utmost precision, preparation and collaboration. Thanks to the expertise within our consortium, we can carry out these complex works without further burdening mobility. I am particularly proud of the team that gives its best every day to safely and efficiently deliver this technically challenging project.”
Christophe Klingeleers, Projectleider BESIX / Mark Beyst, General Manager BESIX Belgium-Luxembourg
Improved accessibility to Brussels Airport
The full tram line will be 12 kilometres long and will connect Brussels North to the airport in 30 minutes. In addition to the construction of a new tram track and its stops, strong emphasis is placed on cycling, with no less than 13 kilometres of new cycling infrastructure, including four bridges and one tunnel. De Werkvennootschap is tendering the project through several work packages. Both the Flemish Government and Brussels Airport welcome the arrival of the tram line:
“Brussels Airport is an international gateway to Flanders and an important driver of our economy. With the Airport Tram, we are investing in a strong connection between the airport, the business zones in the region and the capital. This will allow workers, commuters and residents to travel smoothly and contribute to the economy of the future.”
Annick De Ridder, Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works
“Brussels Airport aims to be an easily accessible airport for everyone. The Airport Tram will offer travellers, employees and visitors a new, comfortable way to reach Brussels Airport. This strengthens our role as an international airport and contributes to better mobility in the region.”
Arnaud Feist, CEO Brussels Airport Company
Images : © De Werkvennootschap
