Bridges, connecting all the right elements... by BESIX Group

Over the years, BESIX has been involved in the design, engineering, construction and maintenance of bridge structures throughout the world. Our expertise has not only enabled our clients to improve mobility in crucial areas, it has also ensured that projects were optimised in terms of design, planning and execution in order to facilitate a successful outcome for clients, partners, surroundings and local community.

Here are a few examples of how we excelled in creating sustainable solutions when it comes to connecting sides.

1. The Shindagha Infinity Bridge (Dubai)

Part of a major infrastructure project, the Shindagha Infinity Bridge will be the third major bridge crossing over the Dubai creek. It is located in one of the oldest districts in Dubai and part of a visionary plan to significantly improve the city’s traffic flow and safety.

The 259-metre long bridge will have six lanes in each direction in addition to a pedestrian crossing to facilitate heavy commuting traffic. It is currently under construction by Six Construct, the entity of BESIX Group in the Middle East.

Today (October 2020), the Six Construct team is on the verge of crossing the other side and connecting both peers, having cast almost completely the bridge deck. This will be another successful milestone as a result of the exemplary execution process. From celebrating the safety milestone of 100 million man-hours without lost-time injury, to placing the 100th segment during the challenging summer of the 2020 pandemic, the project team has excelled in dedication and co-creation with all parties involved to achieve its targets. Six Construct was even awarded ‘Best contractor of mega projects 2019’ and ‘Best contractor for HSE performance 2019’ by the Client.

The bridge will contribute to Dubai's iconic cityscape, not in the least because of its design: an architectural arch shaped in the form of the mathematical symbol for infinity. The top of the infinity arch will rise 42 m, another challenging highlight for the team to work towards to.

Client: Road & Transport Authority (RTA)
Built by: Six Contract [BESIX Group]

2. The Bluewaters Pedestrian Bridge (Dubai)

The Bluewaters pedestrian bridge is a 350 m long footbridge that links the artificial Bluewaters Island to the Dubai coast. It was completed in 2017 by Six Construct, after a fast-paced 12 months’ construction process.

A key factor in delivering the project within such a tight schedule was the fact that Six Construct was responsible for the design and build of the structure. This allowed the team to incorporate the requirements for its construction from the design phase and respect the deadline.

Another remarkable aspect of the project was BESIX’s respect for the original budget whilst integrating the daring geometry of the deck planned by the architect in the design. BESIX proposed a lightweight design which was less imposing and preserved the view of the Ain Dubai, the Gulf and the coastline. In the new configuration proposed by BESIX, the deck rests on slender pillars emerging from the water. A gap of 77 m between the pillars ensures that boats can enter the marina.

Discover more in the timelapse of the construction:

Client: Meraas Development
Built by: Six Contract [BESIX Group]
External partners: Parsons Overseas Ltd., Halcrow International Partnership

3. The Theemsweg Rail Link (The Netherlands)

In Rotterdam, BESIX Nederland and partners of the SaVe consortium are currently working on the Theemsweg rail link , known as ‘Theemswegtracé’, a four-kilometre elevated railway viaduct, including two metal arch bridges for the Port of Rotterdam. This major infrastructure project will considerably improve the accessibility and connection of the port to the European hinterland.

During the summer 2020, the teams have been making considerable progress, as shown in the stunning drone images below. The last piles in the embankment of the Caland canal have been brought into place and the temporary construction for the second bridge is underway.

Client: Het Havenbedrijf Rotterdam N.V.
Built by: BESIX
External partners: Dura Vermeer, Mobilis TBI en de staalbedrijven Hollandia en Iemants

4. The IJzerlaan Bridge (Belgium)

The IJzerlaan project was one of the first projects in the construction of the Oosterweel junction in Antwerp and consisted of different phases designed to prepare the surroundings of the IJzerlaan bridge for the widening of the Albert Canal. At the same time, the project was an opportunity to improve the environment and introduce new green spaces and a new canal to connect two docks. The works started mid 2016 and where finished two years later.

An impressive moment during construction and a true technical tour de force was when the BESIX team successfully placed the steel deck of the new bicycle bridge over the Albert Canal. Watch below our teams in action.

Client: BAM nv
Built by: BESIX

5. Crown Princess Mary Bridge (Denmark)

About one year ago, in October 2019, the Crown Princess Mary Bridge in Roskilde was officially inaugurated. Traffic jams in the area would now be a thing of the past. This bridge was the first project for BESIX in Denmark, but no less successful. On the contrary: the bridge was delivered three months ahead of schedule, bringing the construction time to 36 months.

The full scope of the Roskilde project involved the design and build of an 8.2 km four-lane highway, which includes a 1.4 km bridge over the Roskilde Fjord, the first cantilevered bridge built in Denmark since 1970. All stakeholders working on the project were actively involved in LEAN sessions, which played a major factor in the early completion of the works. It’s even more remarkable considering people of 19 different nationalities worked closely together on this complex site.

Moreover, the project team was also challenged by the peculiarities of the location. The highway and bridge cross an EU Natura 2000 zone: works were therefore subject to strict environmental requirements, to reduce nuisance for fauna, flora and the local community.