After more than six months of renovation work, the Bombardier Bridge in Bruges (Belgium) was reopened on September 1st, 2023. In collaboration with its entities Franki Foundations and BE Inject, BESIX gave the heavily used cycle bridge a makeover, making it look almost brand new again. Thanks to good cooperation among the partners, the project proceeded according to schedule. BESIX Group can therefore look back on yet another successful one-stop shop.
Challenging endeavour
Since February 2023, the heavily used Bombardier Bridge in Bruges had been closed for renovation works. Over the course of six months, the steel deck, road surface and bridge deck joints were renewed and concrete components were repaired. Furthermore, two additional concrete columns were installed under the cantilevered ramps to minimise bridge vibrations. Vlaamse Waterweg nv, the Flemish independent agency that manages and exploits all navigable waterways in Flanders, appointed BESIX to execute the project. BESIX in turn called in the help of two of its entities, namely Franki Foundations and BE Inject.
The three partners faced the formidable challenge of completing the renovation by September 1st, the start of the new school year. The Bombardier Bridge serves as a vital cycling connection between the centre of Bruges and its surrounding municipalities, forming an integral part of a large amount of students’ daily route to school. Thanks to effective collaboration and meticulous planning, the partners successfully adhered to the schedule, allowing the bridge to reopen on time.
Successful one-stop shop
As the main contractor, BESIX was responsible for coordinating the works and executing the construction of the two new columns at the ends of the approach ramps. The steel bridge deck was renovated in an off-site workshop by one of the other partners. Hoisting and reinstalling the bridge deck was a technical feat, but thorough preparation and execution ensured a smooth and efficient intervention. Calculations for these interventions were done in close collaboration with BESIX Engineering, BESIX's in-house engineering department.
Franki Foundations played a pivotal role in realising the foundations for the two new columns, situated under the cantilevered parts of the ramps. For this, the company opted for micro-piles due to limited space and soil conditions.
Furthermore, the concrete of the ramps showed signs of deterioration in various areas. BE Inject stepped in to repair the concrete by first injecting cracks to structurally reinforce the load-bearing structure and by removing damaged sections. Finally, the rebars received a corrosion-resistant coating, and the entire structure was finished with repair mortar.
The renovation of the Bombardier Bridge is a shining example of a one-stop shop approach, where the various types of expertise within BESIX Group are combined to provide an integrated solution, delivering significant added value to the customer.
"The one-stop shop approach had a major advantage on this project. It allowed us to identify the significant challenges already during the tendering phase, thanks to the in-house expertise of BESIX and its entities. This enabled us to meet the strict deadline of September 1st, which was essential for the customer, the city of Bruges and the school-going youth." – Jasper Degraeuwe, Project Manager at BESIX.
