New Henneau bridge over Brussels Ring officially opened (Zaventem)

The renewal of the traffic complex at Henneaulaan in Zaventem, Belgium, by BESIX and BESIX Infra is part of a broader vision by De Werkvennootschap, the Flemish government agency that supports complex mobility projects, to improve the livability around the Brussels ring road. The new bridge is twice as wide and features smooth traffic flows for all modes of transport. There is a spacious bicycle and pedestrian path, fully separated from motorized traffic, along with a dedicated lane for public transport. The flow of cars is managed by intelligent traffic lights.

On the other side of the bicycle path lies a green zone, allowing animals to cross the ring road more safely. Thanks to a series of tree trunks (known as a "stobbenwal"), animals have adequate cover during their crossing. After crossing the bridge, they can pass safely beneath the access and exit ramps through several eco-tunnels.

Lastly, the project promotes better harmony between the ring road and the adjacent natural environment. The fragmented green areas have been reconnected thanks to the bridge, making them accessible to local residents and nearby workers.

“I am proud that we have realized this new, safe bridge and would like to thank our client, De Werkvennootschap, for their trust. Thanks to the alternative, optimized solution we presented during the tender phase, we were able to minimize traffic disruptions. I would also like to thank our colleagues at BESIX Infra for the close collaboration, which, due to excellent coordination and communication, went smoothly.” – Christoph Klingeleers, Project Manager at BESIX.

To minimize traffic disruption, the project was divided into several phases. During the tender phase, BESIX and BESIX Infra proposed an alternative, optimized solution to the client, further reducing the number and duration of interruptions compared to the original plan. As a result, traffic was only interrupted at three points during the entire project, and for limited periods of time.

Given the multiple phases and the importance of maintaining traffic flow, excellent coordination between civil works and road construction was essential. The one-stop-shop approach with BESIX and BESIX Infra, where integrated solutions were offered for both aspects, proved invaluable. Thanks to the joint efforts and close collaboration of both parties, the project was completed entirely on schedule.

“The construction of new access and exit ramps along the busy Brussels ring road in Zaventem was a challenge that required flawless coordination and cooperation. Our team demonstrated through joint efforts and determination that this complex project could be successfully completed on time without disrupting traffic continuity. This success highlights our ability to deliver challenging infrastructure projects with top quality.” – Tom Keysers, Head Project Manager at BESIX Infra.