BESIX starts construction works on Airport Tram in Brussels (BE)

Along the Brussels Ring Road, BESIX today, Monday 30 March, has commenced works on the first phase of the Airport Tram project, commissioned by De Werkvennootschap. The new tram line will connect Brussels with Brussels Airport and the business district along Leopold III Avenue (A201). The official start of the works was attended by Flemish Minister for Mobility and Public Works Annick De Ridder. The overall construction period for the project amounts to three years.

This first phase covers the entire crossing of the Airport Tram alignment over the R0. It includes the construction of two bridges: a tram and cycle bridge over the railway line, and a tram and cycle viaduct over the R0, with an embankment between the tracks and the slip road towards Sint-Stevens-Woluwe. The Design & Build contract is being delivered by the consortium BESIX, STADSBADER CONTRACTORS and Victor Buyck Steel Construction. BESIX and STADSBADER CONTRACTORS are responsible for all concrete structures, road and sewer works and access ramps, while Victor Buyck Steel Construction is in charge of the steel bridges.

Working along a major traffic artery

The project presents significant challenges, not in the least because of its location alongside the busy Brussels Ring Road and the country’s busiest railway line. As a result, a safe and efficient solution had to be devised for the installation of the bridges. The bridge over the R0, whose sections are welded together at the pre-assembly site, will be launched over the Ring Road in three phases without ever bringing traffic to a halt. The second bridge, spanning the railway line, will be slid into place during a 72-hour Temporary Line Interruption of train services – a deadline that has long been fixed and cannot be missed. In addition, the consortium is working immediately adjacent to the major construction site for the redevelopment of the R0 x A201 interchange, which considerably restricts the available workspace. During the works, drivers on the R0 will travel for a limited distance on narrowed lanes, with a maximum speed of 70 km/h.

“With the start of these works, we are taking an important step towards delivering a new, sustainable mobility axis for our capital. Working alongside the Ring Road and the busiest railway line in the country requires the utmost precision, preparation and cooperation. Thanks to the expertise within our consortium, we are able to carry out these complex operations without placing any additional strain on mobility. I am extremely proud of the team, who give their very best every day to deliver this technically challenging project safely and efficiently.” Christoph Klingeleers, Project Manager BESIX

“Like our partners within the consortium, we have already left our mark on a wide range of Werken aan de Ring projects. These include the construction of the F29 cycle highway between Brussels and Tervuren, as well as the route running parallel to the E411 between Brussels and the Walloon border. We also delivered the Ecorecreaduct De Priorij and are currently renovating the Vilvoorde Viaduct. To support the steel bridges, we will construct reinforced concrete piers which, thanks to their distinctive shape and high-quality finish, will become true visual landmarks in their own right. We look forward to pooling our expertise and strengths within this collaboration.” Jan Folens, Executive Director STADSBADER CONTRACTORS

Improved accessibility to Brussels Airport

Once completed, the full tram line will be 12 kilometres long and will take passengers from Brussels-North to the airport in just 30 minutes. In addition to the construction of a new tram track and associated stops, the project places a strong emphasis on cyclists, with no fewer than 13 kilometres of new cycling infrastructure, including four bridges and one tunnel. De Werkvennootschap is procuring the project through several work packages. Both the Flemish Government and Brussels Airport welcome the arrival of the new tram line.

“Brussels Airport is an international gateway to Flanders and a key driver of our economy. With the Airport Tram, we are investing in a strong connection between the airport, the region’s business zones and the capital. This will enable employees, commuters and residents to travel smoothly, while the new line contributes to the economy of the future.” Annick De Ridder, Flemish Minister for Mobility and Public Works

“Brussels Airport aims to be an airport that is easily accessible for everyone. The Airport Tram offers passengers, employees and visitors a new, comfortable way of reaching Brussels Airport. This strengthens our role as an international airport and contributes to improved mobility in the region.” Arnaud Feist, CEO Brussels Airport Company