De Bilt - Consulting and engineering companies Grontmij and Witteveen+Bos have been commissioned by Beheersmaatschappij Antwerpen Mobiel (BAM NV) to conduct studies for the infrastructure projects at Linkeroever and the Scheldt Tunnel in Antwerp. To do so Grontmij and Witteveen+Bos have jointly formed THV ATLAS*. They previously acquired the study assignment for works involving the Oosterweel Link at Rechteroever. Due to the combination of the two projects both companies are now responsible for the complete study of the closure of the Antwerp Ring. The study involving the infrastructure works at Linkeroever begins in June 2015. This year the preliminary design will be produced for these works.

The Oosterweel Link is an important part of the Masterplan 2020 that includes additional road infrastructure, public transport projects, additional cycling paths and water connected infrastructure works in the Antwerp Region. Grontmij and Witteveen+Bos are now also responsible for drafting the design for the infrastructure works at Linkeroever and the Scheldt Tunnel. In 2012, they already acquired the study assignment for the design of the Oosterweel Link at Rechteroever. The total cost of these works is currently estimated at € 3.2 billion.

Grontmij and Witteveen+Bos are ready to jointly co-lead one of the largest European infrastructure projects. The effective collaboration that developed during, for example, the subprojects of the Oosterweel Link at Rechteroever will now continue in this new project. In THV ATLAS they link local knowledge and experience of complex integral projects to global expertise in designing and constructing immersed tunnels.

This project consists of three subprojects that contribute to the closure of the Antwerp Ring (R1):

  • The realisation of the infrastructure projects at Linkeroever. These include the adjustment of the northern node (E34/R1), the southern node (E17/R1), access and exit complexes and parts of the underlying road network;
  • A new Scheldt Tunnel, which will be constructed as an immersed tunnel. The tunnel will be approximately 1.8 km long, with three lanes in each direction and a separate tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians;
  • Development of a dry dock in Zeebrugge, where the individual tunnel elements will be prefabricated. They will then be towed to Antwerp and sunk at the construction site.



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As one of the leading European experts in Highways & Roads, Grontmij has unique capabilities to service all phases: from design and engineering to innovative project management of the construction and maintenance of highways, roads and related constructions such as bridges and tunnels. The consulting & engineering company brings specialist knowledge, tailored to the local market and client needs, using innovative contract and project management methods.

* THV ATLAS (Tijdelijke Handelsvennootschap AfzinkTunnel Linkeroever Antwerpen Studiebureau (Temporary Trading Company Antwerp Linkeroever Immersed Tunnel Engineering Agency)) is a joint venture involving Grontmij and Witteveen+Bos, founded in accordance with Belgian law.

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