Two Turnhoutsebaan bridges Albert canal, Wijnegem

The car bridge, with its flat arch girders and V-shaped supports, spans a distance of 88 metres and integrates seamlessly into the landscape. It is an elegant and thoughtfully designed bridge, designed to minimize any obstruction to the view of the surroundings. To achieve this, the supports are designed in the shape of a V, which gives optimal openness. The low curved girders are filled with steel slats, creating an interesting interplay of closed and open views when passing over the bridge. Lighting is integrated into the arches. There is space for cycle paths and a road along the canal. The approaches are laid on a stepped structure of gabions filled with cobblestones. The horizontal parts of the steps are planted up, creating a friendly transition to the rural surroundings.

The new car bridge is carefully designed to reduce the impact of traffic in the direct vicinity. Extra attention has been paid to maintaining the spatial and visual quality of Wijnegem's residential environment. Cars need to be able to pass and cross the canal smoothly, while the bridge must encumber the residential environment of Wijnegem as little as possible both spatially and visually. This determined the position of the bridge and the placement of the abutments. On the south side the choice was made to have the approach line up with the walls of the buildings to minimize disruption, while on the north side a short and direct connection with the road was achieved. The approaches are placed symmetrically, to keep the landscape clear and easy to read.

Long and elegant cycle bridge

The cycle bridge over the Albert Canal is long and elegant, and it attracts attention from a distance. After a long access ramp that is largely freestanding, on V-shaped columns, the sharply cut steel bridge begins its crossing. There is a support point on an extension of the lock complex, after which the white, asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge majestically crosses the canal. On the other side the abutment is a long way from the canal, leaving room for a possible widening of the lock complex in the future. At 175 metres in length, the slim and proud bridge provides a splendid view of the surroundings and of activities in the locks. Comfortable steps, and highly transparent railings and balustrades complement a connection that is not just functional but a visual asset to the area.

The open and light structure of the bridge creates new public space alongside the canal, while its position as far to the west as possible means that the centre of Wijnegem acquires a water plaza that provides a quiet, well-organized environment in the midst of busy traffic on both land and water.

Natural viewpoint with safe cycle paths

The pylon of the bicycle bridge opens at the level of the bridge deck, creating a natural point where passers-by can briefly enjoy the view over the locks and the water. Between the cycle path and the footpath there is an elevation of the bridge girder, which increases safety for pedestrians with increasingly faster bicycles and forms a natural point of application for the bridge's cables. This elevated section includes several benches on the footpath side, both around the pylon and in the middle above the waterways.

New public space

The open and light construction of the bridge creates new public space under the landing along the canal. A 'water square' is being created between the two new bridges where the maneuvers of the boats entering and leaving the locks perform a theater piece. This square offers a quiet and orderly environment amidst the hustle and bustle of traffic on land and on the water.

Space for graffiti in the abutment

The removal of the old heavy concrete bridge also presents an opportunity to transform the dark underworld of the quayside into a lighter, more open and greener environment. An extensive collection of graffiti disappears along with the old bridge. On the Wijnegem side, space has been created for local graffiti artists on the abutment of the new cycle bridge