First part Bypass open: important step forward in Oosterweel Link in Antwerp

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.

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.

Find all info about the Bypass on the Oosterweel Link's website:

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.

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.