Metal footbridge for the RAVeL in Arquennes

The Arquennes viaduct, a railway bridge of the former line no. 141, was inaugurated in 1854. Demolished during the Second World War, it was replaced by a temporary bridge before being dismantled around 1980. Its disappearance marked a break on the RAVeL of line 141, forcing pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders to mix with automobile traffic to cross the village.

Following a competition, the municipality of Seneffe entrusts bureau greisch in 2017 with the mission of designing a new footbridge.

The project is divided into two works contracts:

• The first concerns the restoration of the piers and abutments of the old viaduct. The contracting authority is SPW MI (RENOTEC company),
• The second consists of the construction of the new self-supporting steel footbridge covered with a wooden deck. The client is the municipality of Seneffe (Techno Metal Industries).

In order to respect the original structure and to integrate it as respectfully as possible into this remarkable site, the sketch developed during the competition translates a contemporary structure in metal latticework, whose grids recall the characteristics of the old railway bridge. The materials considered (Corten steel structure and exotic wood decking) offer a good color match with the existing masonry and excellent durability, thus limiting maintenance costs and needs.

The width of 4 meters allows an easy passage and crossing of the various users of the footbridge.