We have some good news!
De Werkvennootschap has awarded BESIX and STADSBADER CONTRACTORS the first major contract for the development of the new tramline between the centre of Brussels and Brussels Airport, called Luchthaventram.
Specifically, this first contract concerns the construction of the tram and cycle viaduct over the Brussels ring road in Machelen, with works set to begin by the end of the year. It is set to be the most striking feature of the four-kilometre-long route. Works are expected to start at the end of this year and will last three years.
A collaboration of expertise
The construction of the viaduct and the complex operation of sliding it into place over the ring road requires a large amount of combined expertise. Christoph Klingeleers, Project Manager at BESIX, and Jan Folens, Executive Director at STADSBADER CONTRACTORS, emphasise the integrated approach taken by the project’s partners: “In close collaboration with De Werkvennootschap, we have worked with our partner, Victor Buyck Steel Construction, and engineering firms Arcadis and KUDU to optimise both the viaduct’s design and the intricate sliding operation—while keeping the ring road operational. This is a unique and ambitious undertaking, and our multidisciplinary teams are once again making a significant contribution to improving mobility around Brussels.”
Pierre A. Smetryns, Commercial Director at Victor Buyck Steel Construction, highlights the technical complexity of assembling the steel tram bridges: “Constructing and assembling these steel tram bridges requires specialist techniques, particularly given the challenging spans over the railway lines and the Brussels Ring. Thanks to our international expertise in complex assembly methods and our constructive collaboration with De Werkvennootschap and our partners, we have been able to develop the most efficient and safest solution. This approach enables us to install the bridges with precision, minimising traffic disruption while ensuring long-term reliability.”
A key driver for smoother mobility around the Brussels ring road
The development of the Luchthaventram line is part of the broader ‘Werken aan de Ring’ programme, through which the Flemish Government is investing in sustainable mobility and enhanced liveability in and around the region of the Brussels ring road. This includes the construction of cycle highways and high-quality public transport solutions for the region. By offering viable alternatives to car travel, the project aims to reduce cut-through traffic in residential areas.
In addition to creating a new tramline and associated stops, the Luchthaventram project also includes no less than 13 kilometres of new cycling infrastructure, including four bridges and a tunnel. The full Luchthaventram route is anticipated to be completed by 2031.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this project!
