New infrastructure and traffic rollout phases
A large park bridge at the Kennedy Tunnel creates an ecological link between the new wood and the Burchtse Weel nature reserve, as well as carrying the Ring’s cycle path across the highway, completing the Ring for the bicycle as well.
Transparent sound barriers ensure that traffic still has a view of the landscape. As far as possible, the slip roads are sunk into the landscape under the through roads. To protect the surroundings from the highway, green sound-reducing verges have been created, as well as tall glass and wooden noise barriers.
The junction will be opened in phases. The southern part was opened to traffic on the night of 12-13 May and the northern part will follow in early June.
Oosterweel Connection – Completing the Antwerp Ring
For years Antwerp has struggled with congestion, and with long traffic jams on the Ring. The Oosterweel Connection, a new motorway link between the Left and Right Banks of the Scheldt that completes the Antwerp Ring, means that the traffic will flow more freely and noise and air pollution will be reduced. The creation of space for new parks in the Ring zone will improve the lived environment considerably. Soon the Ring will no longer form a wall that divides Antwerp. The Oosterweel Connection is an important part of the Masterplan 2020 and is intended to solve the structural mobility problems in and around Antwerp.
