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Steel giant! At more than 700 meters long, the BIGGEST bridge for cyclists and pedestrians in Europe is being built in Belgium

Written by Ruth Rodrigues
Published 26/07/2024 às 21:34
Construction of the largest bridge for cyclists and pedestrians in Belgium promises to transform urban mobility and promote sustainable transport in Flanders.
Photo: Architectural studio ZJA

Construction of the largest bridge for cyclists and pedestrians in Belgium promises to transform urban mobility and promote sustainable transport in Flanders.

Construction of the largest bridge for cyclists and pedestrians in Flanders, Belgium. With a total length of 710 meters, including 200 meters of inclined access, the new structure is scheduled to be opened for use later this year. This bridge represents a significant advance in the region's urban mobility project, offering a safe and efficient connection for cyclists and pedestrians.

Bridge project and design

The bridge project includes a bike lane and a pedestrian promenade, which will be visually differentiated by colored surfaces.

The cycle path will be brownish-yellow in color, while the sidewalk will be gray. These colors were chosen to ensure that each area is easily identifiable and safe for its users.

The bridge structure will be supported by V-shaped columns. According to Ralph Kieft, architect at ZJA, the studio responsible for the project, the choice of gray steel columns and the white color of the bridge were designed to create a light and transparent appearance.

“The bridge is designed to blend into its surroundings, with a design that appears to float above the highway.

The continuous gradient and straight trajectory of the bridge create a visual effect that marks the border between Flanders and Brussels,” explains Kieft.

The bridge will be elevated almost eight meters above the highway, allowing safe passage for vehicles and trains.

Access to the bridge will be via steps that integrate with the overall design, providing a comfortable climb.

These steps are elongated and shallow, facilitating access and ensuring safety for all users.

With its long, straight structure, the bridge will be a notable visual landmark. The architectural design was designed to make the bridge appear to float, with details that are repeated along its length, creating a continuous and harmonious effect.

Impact of construction on urban mobility

Located on the A201 Leopold III-Laan route, the new bridge will provide a crossing safe and efficient in the region.

This project is part of the 'Work on the Ring' program, which aims to improve mobility and quality of life in the area around Brussels. The objective of the program is to invest in better public transport, requalify the ring road and create fast and safe connections for cyclists.

The company De Werkvennootschap, responsible for implementing the project, believes that the new bridge will be an important mobility link, facilitating travel between Flanders and Brussels.

Furthermore, the project is part of a greater effort to make the region more accessible and sustainable for its residents.

Benefits for cyclists and pedestrians

The construction of this bridge it is a response to the growing needs for sustainable urban mobility.

With the inclusion of a dedicated cycle path, the project aims to encourage more people to opt for non-motorised transport.

This not only helps reduce congestion on the roads, but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions.

The bridge will be an example of how infrastructure can be designed to promote greener and healthier modes of transport.

By offering a safe and well-designed path for cyclists and pedestrians, the new structure will facilitate the integration of different modes of transport, benefiting the local community and supporting the creation of a more efficient and pleasant urban environment.

Completion of the project for the largest bridge in Europe

With construction expected to be completed in 2024, the new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians represents a significant advancement for the transport infrastructure in Flanders.

This project not only improves the mobility local, but also reflects a commitment to creating a more sustainable and accessible urban environment.

The impact of the bridge will be monitored to ensure it meets expectations and contributes positively to quality of life in the region.

The new structure is expected to become a model for future infrastructure projects in other parts of the world.

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Ruth Rodrigues

Graduated in Biological Sciences from the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), she works as a writer and scientific disseminator.

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