Posted on August 3, 2026
Port of Antwerp-Bruges has awarded the contract for the redevelopment of Oosterweeleiland to TM Crusoë, a consortium comprising BESIX Infra, BESIX Unitec, ARTES Rogiers, ARTES Depret, Aelterman and De Meyer.
The contract was awarded in early July 2026, with preliminary works set to commence in the final quarter of 2026 and major works scheduled to begin in late 2027 or early 2028.
The redevelopment addresses two bridges that have reached the end of their service life, alongside broader improvements to traffic flow and road safety on the main routes of Oosterweeleiland.
The Wilmarsdonk Bridge will be replaced by a movable bridge for rail traffic, designed to remain raised to allow unimpeded passage for inland waterway vessels and lowered only to permit train movements.
The Oosterweel Bridge will be replaced by a high fixed bridge for lorries, cars and cyclists, providing free passage for inland waterway traffic underneath.
Complementary infrastructure works include the complete reconstruction of Oosterweelsteenweg, Wilmarsdonksteenweg and Schenkeldijk, including new drainage systems and cycle paths, alongside the partial rerouting of railway lines to improve separation from road traffic.
The current phase of the project allows for optimisations to ensure financial viability and provides Port of Antwerp-Bruges with necessary guarantees regarding the management and maintenance of the new infrastructure following construction completion.
