BRAVO-4 preferred bidder for R4 West and East in Ghent
Stadsbader, together with partners Besix, Epico, Rebel and I4B in the BRAVO-4 consortium, has been designated as the preferred bidder for the realization of the "Conversion of R4 West and East into primary roads" Project. This is a D(esign)B(uild)F(inance)M(aintain) agreement to be entered into by the operating company for the design, construction, financing and maintenance of the project for a period of 30 years. For design, BRAVO-4 is using Tractebel, Ney and partners, and Omgeving.
During the preferred bidder phase, the necessary environmental permits are applied for and the study is launched. Once the permits have been granted, the contract can be finalized. The goal is to complete the contract close and financial close by the end of 2022, after which work can begin. The total implementation period of the project is 5.5 years.
With a construction cost of 606 million euros, the R4 project is the second largest infrastructure project in Belgium after Oosterweel.
With the R4WO project, the R4 West and East will be converted into primary roads in Ghent, Evergem, Zelzate and Wachtebeke. The project involves both road and bicycle infrastructure between the Brugsevaart (N9) in Wondelgem and Zelzate (R4 West), and between the intersection at 'Euro-Silo' and Zelzate (R4 East) that aims to make the R4 smoother and safer.
Increased liveability in the canal zone is also envisioned: eliminating on- and off-ramps will keep heavy traffic out of residential areas and allow for better traffic control. Finally, the project provides a proper and safe connection between the residential areas by means of bridges, tunnels and underpasses over and under the R4. The project includes about 30 km of primary roads and 22 km of bicycle highways.
We are proud that Stadsbader can also help realize the project of the R4 and thus, together with the construction of the Oosterweel link in Antwerp, participate in the two largest infrastructure projects in Belgium.
The R4 is a long-term project that lays a nice foundation for the order portfolio of the coming years, in which various departments of the Stadsbader Group are collaborating and which also offers nice opportunities for building up the know-how of Stadsbader and our employees.
