The Oosterweel link right bank (Oosterweelverbinding Rechteroever) project is a key part of the Flemish government's Master plan 2020, which includes new roads, extra tram lines, cycle paths and other mobility initiatives for the Antwerp region. Grontmij and Witteveen+Bos will be responsible for drawing up the design for the Oosterweel link right bank.
 
This large-scale project consists of three sub-contracts, each of which contributes to the completion of the Antwerp Ring road (R1):

• Oosterweel junction: the connection between the Scheldt tunnel and the tunnels beneath the docks, with approach and exit ramps for the port and the north of Antwerp;
• The canal tunnels: two split tunnels, each with 2x2 lanes from the Oosterweel junction to the R1;
• The reconstruction of the R1: the current viaduct at Merksem will be removed and the R1 will travel partly underground and partly via an open construction to a new bridge across the Albert canal. 

For this year, the contract entails developing the feasibility study into the Oosterweel link with tunnels into a complete draft design, producing a detailed cost estimate, drawing up a planning and conducting checks based on established premises.

Grontmij and Witteveen+Bos have combined their broad expertise in THV Rots, a joint venture combining local know-how and global expertise in the design and construction of tunnels and complicated integrated projects.

* THV Rots is a joint venture under Belgium law.