Client Lantis announced today that a major sub-project of the Oosterweel link in Antwerp has been awarded to the Rinkonîen consortium consisting of Stadsbader, Mobilis TBI, CIT Blaton, Artes Group and Boskalis.
As a Flemish public entity, Lantis is responsible for the realization of complex mobility projects in the Antwerp region. The Oosterweel link project consists of several subprojects and aims to complete and close the Antwerp Ring Road. The subproject awarded to Rinkonîen includes two components, being the construction of the Oosterweel interchange and the replacement of the Royers Lock. The contract involves a total contract sum of about EUR 500 million, of which each partner's share is about 20%.
Dominique Valcke, CEO Stadsbader: "We are very pleased with the award of this major infrastructure project. This challenging project will revitalize the Belgian construction industry. It is important for Stadsbader to be a part of this, following the ongoing works on the Linkeroever."
The Oosterweel interchange
To connect the Scheldt Tunnel from the Linkeroever to the Kanaal tunnel and eastern Ring Road, the Oosterweel interchange must be constructed. The interchange will be sunk into the landscape over a distance of 1,700 meters and will have eight lanes with on- and off-ramps to the port and the north of the city of Antwerp. The tunnel trench will be constructed at a depth of 15 to 30 meters requiring more than 3 million cubic meters of earthworks. The consortium will work with Lantis toward a final design, after which the construction phase will begin. The consortium's work is expected to be completed in 2030.
Royers lock
As part of the Oosterweel connection, the old 1907 barge lock is to be replaced. The current lock will be replaced by a new lock with a length of 230 meters and a width of 36 meters, suitable for four-barge push navigation with more capacity and less traffic disruption. The lock will be tendered and awarded by Lantis but will ultimately be commissioned by Antwerp Port Authority with Maritime Access Division (AMT) as the lead official, who will also be responsible for the design and engineering of the lock. The consortium will demolish the current lock and construct the enlarged lock box. The supply and installation of two lock gates and two bridges as well as electromechanical control will be subcontracted by the consortium to local specialist companies. The consortium's first works will begin in mid-2021 and the lock is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
