During the weekend of 25 and 26 October 2025, the first section of the Bypass towards the Netherlands was opened in Antwerp. This temporary motorway plays a crucial role in the Oosterweel Link and facilitates the demolition of the Merksem viaduct.
Smart solution for a complex challenge
As part of the Oosterweel Link, the Merksem viaduct is being replaced with a maximally covered sunken Ring Road in Antwerp. To maintain traffic flow during this ambitious project, TM ROCO — including BESIX and BESIX Infra — is constructing the Bypass: a temporary road adjacent to the existing motorway between Antwerp-Nord and Antwerp-East.
This smart solution effectively keeps traffic away from residential areas while the work progresses. The Bypass represents the largest accessibility initiative within the Oosterweel Link project.
"We are proud to contribute to this vital infrastructure for the Oosterweel Link. Thanks to the close collaboration and dedication of all partners and our client, this temporary highway was completed just 1.5 years after construction started," says Jeroen Philtjens, Project Manager at ROCO.
Temporary highway with long-term impact
The Bypass will take over traffic from the current Merksem viaduct for eight years. During this period, the viaduct will be safely demolished and replaced by a sunken Ring Road with roofing. Once the new infrastructure is complete, the Bypass will disappear and make way for Ring Parks offering nature, sports and socialising opportunities.
The entire Bypass will be approximately 5.5 kilometres long and will have three lanes in each direction. The remaining section towards the Netherlands will follow in the summer of 2026, and the first section of the Ghent-bound carriageway will be completed in the autumn of 2026. From 2027 onwards, traffic will use the Bypass exclusively.
Attention for environment
Because the Bypass is closer to residential areas than the current Ring Road, measures have been taken to limit nuisance. Noise barriers four to six metres high, a maximum speed limit of 70 km/h and a quiet road surface ensure less noise. Air quality, noise and vibrations are continuously monitored. If the standards are exceeded, additional measures are taken immediately. This keeps the impact on people, animals, nature and infrastructure under control.
Oosterweel Link’s biggest sub-project
The Bypass is part of the largest sub-project of the Oosterweel connection, for which TM ROCO is responsible. This consortium consists of BESIX, BESIX Infra, Jan De Nul, Cordeel, DEME, DENYS, Van Laere, Franki Construct and Willemen Infra. In addition to the Bypass and the sunken Ring, TM ROCO is also building the Canal Tunnels.
BESIX is also involved in the Scheldt Tunnel as a member of THV COTU. BESIX Unitec is responsible for the tunnel technical installations for the entire Oosterweel link.
Temporary highway with lasting effects
The Bypass will manage traffic from the existing Merksem viaduct for eight years. During this time, the viaduct will be safely dismantled and replaced with a sunken Ring Road. Once the new infrastructure is finished, the Bypass will be removed to make way for so-called Ring Parks, providing spaces for nature, sports and community activities.
The entire Bypass will stretch approximately 5.5 kilometers, featuring three lanes in each direction. The section towards the Netherlands is scheduled for completion in summer 2026, while the first part of the Ghent-bound carriageway will be done by autumn 2026. From 2027 onwards, traffic will exclusively use the Bypass.
Environmental considerations
Since the Bypass is closer to residential areas than the existing Ring Road, measures have been taken to reduce nuisance. Noise barriers are four to six meters high, the speed limit is capped at 70 km/h, and a quiet road surface minimises noise. Air quality, noise and vibrations are monitored continuously. If limits are exceeded, additional measures are taken promptly. This approach minimises the impact on people, wildlife, nature and infrastructure.
Major sub-project of the Oosterweel Link
The Bypass is a key part of the largest sub-project of the Oosterweel Link, realised by TM ROCO. This consortium includes BESIX, BESIX Infra, Jan De Nul, Cordeel, DEME, DENYS, Van Laere, Franki Construct and Willemen Infra. Besides the Bypass and the sunken Ring Road, TM ROCO is also constructing the Canal Tunnels.
BESIX is also contributing to the Scheldt Tunnel as part of THV COTU. BESIX Unitec oversees the tunnel technical installations for the entire Oosterweel link.
