North bridge in Kortrijk

Due to the rectification of the Lys river crossing through the city of Kortrijk, the old Gerechtshof bridge had to be replaced.

The crossing solution selected for this western-side entrance is a cable-stayed bridge with a central plane with seven stay cables, a metal pylon and a rear tie member. The main span reaches 55m for a total length of 88.5m.

This urban structure has two traffic lanes, and on each side two bike and pedestrian paths of 3.5m.

The river gauge requirements and the low level of the connecting roads in this densely built area have led to opting for different longitudinal profiles for car and bicycle traffic, as well as to design a thin deck with a central box protruding between circulation tracks. The cross beams are embedded in this box. They support an orthotropic slab under traffic lanes and a grating made of composite material under cycle and pedestrian paths.

A continuous functional lighting is integrated into side structures at a height of 0.5m, while architectural lighting is provided for the stay cables, the pylon and the tie member.