02.015 | Vroenhoven Bridge

The Albert Canal between Antwerp with Luik, has been broadened for river traffic up to 9000 tons. The new bridge has a central span of 100 m, allowing a free passage width of 86 m. Highly complex conditions since the site is historically preserved. At this very spot, the second World War started in Belgium. The bunker next to the bridge testifies of this era.

The bridge is a stayed structure with a total length of 195 m. Its deck consists of two lanes of 3.25 m width with adjacent pedestrian and cycle routes with a total width of 18,5 m. The main structural system consists of two steel beams with variable height. The form varies according to the stresses acting in the beams, resulting in a materialised force diagram visible from the deck. These beams are used for separation of heavy traffic and pedestrians or cyclists and for pushing the bridge to its definitive location. The bridge was constructed in two phases.