Traffic complex Hector Henneaulaan

Start of the works

04/2021

End of the works

04/2024

Region

Northern side Zaventem

Project status

In progress

Safer roads, better traffic flow and a more pleasant environment for people and animals are key elements of the ‘Werken aan de Ring’ programme. We are accelerating a number of road works projects within the programme. One of these kinds of 'quick wins' is the renovation of the extremely outdated Hector Henneaulaan bridge over the Ring. The project improves the situation for all road users and perfectly illustrates our multimodal approach.

TEMPORARY DISRUPTION - There will be work on the Brussels Ring Road in Zaventem between 20 and 30 March. Car traffic will be temporarily inconvenienced near the Hector Henneaulaan bridge. Traffic will be able to continue during the works, albeit on three narrowed lanes on the outside. For more information on the works, click here.

Building a safe bridge and smooth access and exit ramps

Traffic on the bridge of Hector Henneaulaan often comes to a standstill. Cyclists and pedestrians do not dare cross the bridge because the situation is unsafe. Buses also get stuck in traffic queues. The construction of a new bridge will change this situation. At the same time, we are also tackling the associated connections with the Ring Road. The result will be better accessibility for residents, traders and local businesses.

A wide bridge with room for all road users

The new bridge will be twice as wide and will offer space for all road users to travel smoothly and safely. We are doing this by constructing:

  1. a separate cycle path and footpath,
  2. a separate bus lane for public transport,
  3. separated lanes for motorised traffic and
  4. a green zone ('wildlife bridge') for plants and animals.

 

Investing in a pleasant and green environment

There are valued green zones on both sides of the Ring. The new bridge will have a wildlife bridge and a green corridor over the entire length of the new bridge that will connect these zones. This will allow animals to cross the Ring safely. We will also make the green zones more accessible for local residents and people working in the area.

Planning

After an initial, preparatory phase of landscaping and utility work, the contractor is set to begin reconstructing and installing the two halves of the bridge. These complex works will end, subject to unforeseen circumstances, in April 2024. Read more under phasing.

Nuisance

During the construction of the bridge itself, the works will divided into different phases. This is so we never have to disrupt traffic on the Ring for long periods and to ensure that traffic flow on the Hector Henneaulaan will almost never be interrupted.

All movement of traffic between Hector Henneaulaan, Woluwelaan (R22) and the Ring are similarly guaranteed. We will plan any interruptions to traffic as much as possibleto occur in low-traffic-calmed periods such as at the weekends and in school holidays, for as far as is possible.

More information is available under the heading timeline.

Future situation

 

Toekomstplan Hector Henneaulaan

Smart phasing

  • The construction of a bridge that is double the width of the current bridge and that crosses the busy Ring Road, is a very complex undertaking. For that reason, we are dividing the work into three large phases. It will also help limit disruption as much as possible.Want to be kept informed of any upcoming inconvenience? Simply visit our website and social media regularly and subscribe to our digital newsletter here.

     

  • Current situation

    We continue to work on the second new half of the bridge, install it and finish the surrounding area and the slip roads.

  • Phase 1: construction of first half of bridge (completed)

    In the first phase, we will build the first part of the bridge next to the highway, without disrupting traffic. This is the southern part of the bridge. Traffic on the Ring Road travels on three narrowed lanes at 70 km/h.

     

  • Phase 2: installing the first half of the bridge and demolition of the old bridge (October 2022)

    Once the first half of the bridge has been completed, we will install it next to the old bridge. We temporarily equip this new section with road markings for car traffic and segregated cycle and footpaths. This will allow all road users to drive over the new section already. Afterwards, we will demolish the old bridge. Nothing will change in the current traffic situation. This way, we hardly need to interrupt the traffic flow on Hector Henneau Avenue.

    For the demolition of the old bridge, we will close the Ring Road and Hector Henneau Avenue from October 29, 9pm to October 30, 12pm. Avoid the area. See diversions.

  • Phase 3: construction and installation of the second half of the bridge (autumn 2022 - end 2023)

    We will then demolish the old bridge and replace it with the second part of the new bridge.  Finally, we will join both bridge parts into one, new bridge.

  • Phase 4: finishing off the bridge and installation of roads (autumn 2023 - April 2024)

    There will be work on the Brussels Ring Road in Zaventem between 20 and 30 March. Car traffic will be temporarily inconvenienced near the Hector Henneau Avenue bridge. Work on the new Hector Henneau Avenue bridge over the Ring Road is entering its final phase. The contractor will repair the green central reservation under the bridge, install lighting poles and a new barrier, and also apply the definitive markings on the R0.

    On Wednesday and Thursday night, the contractor will start preparatory works, taking 1 or 2 lanes on the inner and outer ring roads. From 5am on Friday 22 March, traffic on the inner and outer ring road will be moved to the breakdown lane and 1 or 2 lanes will again be taken. This is all to provide a safe zone for the contractor to restore the central reservation to its previous condition. This traffic situation will continue for a full week. In the course of Friday (29 March) and Saturday (30 March), the lines will be reinstated on the R0. From Sunday 31 March, there will be no more disruption and traffic on the Brussels Ring Road will be able to resume its final situation. Traffic can therefore continue at all times during the works, albeit on three narrowed lanes on the outside.

     

Plan future situation

Toekomstige situatie Henneaulaan_0
Pdf 9.22 MB
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Technical plans

AF-QW-Henneau-TEK-087-88-89-90_1
Pdf 6.74 MB
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