Lifting of the bridges over the Albert Canal_Haccourt bridge

The project involves lifting the Haccourt bridge over the Albert Canal and redeveloping the area around the structure following this elevation..

The Albert Canal is the most important waterway in Belgium and Wallonia. Flanders has carried out work to remove bottlenecks and modernise the infrastructure. Work was carried out to widen the canal between Antwerp and Wijnegem and lift around 60 bridges between Antwerp and Wallonia to ensure a clearance height of 9.10 metres. The aim is to ensure the passage of ships carrying four layers of containers instead of three.

To create a navigation clearance of 9.1 m allowing boats with four levels of containers to pass, the Haccourt bridge must be lifted by 1.75 m. This lifting must be accompanied by a southward shift of the structure (towards Liège) to increase the length of the ramp on the right bank (Visé side) and thus ensure acceptable road gradients for the various users.

The axis of this regional road has therefore been moved, and the municipal roads connecting to it are consequently affected and must be adapted to the new situation.

Given the changes to the road network in the area, the project is not limited to the work strictly necessary to lift the bridge (plus road modifications) but involves a more comprehensive review of traffic patterns and layout in the area. It should be noted that the road running alongside the Albert Canal will eventually have to pass under the structure. To achieve this, a new span of around 20 metres will have to be built and connected to the bowstring bridge deck, requiring a re-examination of the existing structure.

The lifting of the bridge therefore provides an opportunity to improve both mobility and the landscape around the bridge.