MS-A architects and Ney & Partners win design competition for the new ‘Passerelle de l’Arche’, Tournai (BE)

The new pedestrian and cyclist connection across the Scheldt between the Saint-Jean and Saint-Piat districts in Tournai is part of the modernisation of the Scheldt crossing. The new bridge will provide better connections between two working-class neighbourhoods in the city, which are central to an urban renewal policy. The planned area for the new structure extends from Place Gabrielle Petit to Chemin de ronde. The brief therefore includes the development of the immediate surroundings of the new pedestrian bridge. The project area also falls within the sphere of influence of the Belfry, one of the city’s two UNESCO World Heritage buildings. The structure has a total length of 75.80 m and comprises the footbridge and its access stairs. The main span is 33.70 m. The staircases provide a wide ramp for smooth access to the bridge deck, designed as a real public space above the Scheldt. copyright image MS-A – Ney & Partners