New €95.6 million contract for the modernisation of the N5/E420 in Wallonia

SOFICO, the public company responsible for financing, managing and maintaining Wallonia’s motorways and main roads, describes the project as the largest road civil engineering project undertaken in Wallonia in recent years.

The technical studies for this project are being carried out by the engineering consultancy Greisch.

The N5/E420 forms part of the Trans-European Transport Network. Around 10,000 vehicles travel along this section in each direction every day, including approximately 1,250 heavy goods vehicles. The project aims to improve road safety, upgrade the deteriorated infrastructure and better separate through traffic from local traffic.

The project covers nearly six kilometres of the N5/E420 in the municipalities of Philippeville and Walcourt. The roadway will be completely reconstructed and upgraded to motorway standards. The 259-metre Yves-Gomezée viaduct will be demolished and rebuilt. The works also include the rehabilitation of three other bridges and a new overpass as part of the future interchange connecting Jamagne and Jamiolle.

Road improvements include wider traffic lanes, a new emergency lane and a shoulder, redesigned access ramps and adaptations to local access roads. Drainage upgrades include four stormwater basins. Noise barriers, wildlife crossings and new planting are also planned.

The joint venture was selected not solely on price: SOFICO also assessed the proposed duration and the technical quality of the proposed methods and phasing.

Preparatory studies are scheduled from November 2026, with construction activities starting in January 2027. One lane in each direction is due to remain available on the N5 during the main phase affecting traffic, running from August 2027 until the end of June 2029.

Completion of the final phase is planned for November 2029.