PROJECT STORY
The Challenge
The port of Zeebrugge has only one active lock, resulting in limited access. Any alternative would also need to address mobility and quality of life in the wider surrounding area.
New Lock Zeebrugge
New design that benefits economy, mobility and quality of life
The Solution
Arcadis has conducted research into more than 20 combinations for the creation of a new lock and a link road and continues to follow up on the draft project decision.
The Impact
The new design is crucial for the economic activities of the whole region and will also improve access and the living environment for residents in and around Zeebrugge.
20
alternatives researched
2nd
largest port in Belgium
The Challenge
The port of Zeebrugge is the second-largest port in Belgium and an important player in Europe. But the current situation makes the port vulnerable; the Vandamme lock is currently the only access route into the inner port. A second access point will secure the port's economic future. In addition to tackling economic development, this project also takes account of the improvements that are required to quality of life, environmental quality and mobility around the port.
The Solution
Over the past few years, Arcadis has researched more than 20 possible combinations on behalf of the Flemish Government in order to arrive at a single alternative design for the complex New Lock Zeebrugge project. All the options were tested against various criteria, such as nautical accessibility, technical feasibility, environmental impact, mobility impact, cost-benefit ratio and quality of life.
Specifically, Arcadis was responsible for the project research paper, project and process management, environmental impact assessment (including calibrated groundwater model, in collaboration with IMDC), social cost-benefit analysis, quality of life study, mobility study and energy study, with a focus on wind or solar power.
The Zeebrugge municipal authorities, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and residents and businesses in Zeebrugge were actively involved throughout the process and had the opportunity to share their ideas.
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New design
The Flemish government has opted to build a new lock to the south on the site of the Visart lock that will provide a second means of accessing the inner port. It will be created in conjunction with construction of a new 'Nx' link road (the road does not yet have a number). This will involve a tunnel in places that will separate port traffic and through traffic from local traffic. Above the tunnel will be a landscaped green area with the necessary facilities, such as cycle paths and footpaths.
Arcadis will help develop this design in more detail once residents, businesses and stakeholders have had the opportunity to give their input on the tangible implementation of the quality-of-life measures (play elements, neighborhood areas, observation towers…).
Read more about how the new design was selected at www.nieuwesluiszeebrugge.be or watch the video here.
The Impact
The complex New Lock Zeebrugge project links major infrastructure works to quality-of-life measures that will ultimately upgrade the entire area. Zeebrugge is a logistics hub and the new lock is necessary for the growth of economic activities in the region and throughout the rest of Flanders.
Alongside prosperity, accessibility and quality of life play a very important role in this project. The new link road will relieve pressure on the local roads and residential areas in Zeebrugge and make them safer. Thanks to the various opportunities to participate, residents and businesses have been able to contribute their ideas for improving their home, work and living environments.
