The road bridge in Wijnegem is one of the nominees in the category “Road and Railway Bridges” of the biennial BENELUX Steel Bridge Contest. The winners will be announced on 11 February in Utrecht. Following the completion of the new steel bridge for motorized traffic in 2024, work is currently underway on a separate bridge for cyclists and pedestrians. ZJA Architects & Engineers designed the architectural concept for both bridges.
For the biennial BENELUX Steel Bridge Contest, the Belgian organization Infosteel and the Dutch Bouwen met Staal joined forces to recognize exemplary bridge projects and highlight (intelligent) steel and steel–concrete applications. From a total of 49 entries in 2025, a six-member jury selected ten nominations, divided into two categories: “Road and Railway Bridges” and “Cyclist and Pedestrian Bridges”.
The former concrete bridge in Wijnegem has been replaced by two new bridges, which are part of the overarching project by De Vlaamse Waterweg to strengthen the Albert Canal as a major transport corridor. The Theunis Bridge and the cyclist and pedestrian bridge in Tessenderlo, also designed by ZJA, are part of this project as well.
With a length of 118 meters, the new road bridge in Wijnegem has become a new landmark in the area. ZJA designed a white steel bridge with a horizontal appearance and modest height to minimize obstruction of views. V-shaped supports provide optimal openness. The low curved girders are filled with steel lamellae, creating an interesting interplay of open and closed views when crossing the bridge. Lighting is integrated into the arches.
Along the canal there is space for cycle paths and a roadway. The stepped, landscaped abutments ensure a gentle transition to the rural surroundings. Equipped with two traffic lanes and two maintenance paths, the bridge—opened in 2024—is reserved for public transport, cars, and trucks.
Long and elegant cycling bridge - opens this spring
Later this year, cyclists and pedestrians—completely separated from motorized traffic—will be able to cross the Albert Canal via a brand-new 175-meter-long cable-stayed bridge. The elegant bridge will rest gracefully on a single support at an extension of the lock complex, offering a magnificent view of the surroundings. With wide paths and a gentle slope, maximum user comfort is guaranteed. The final bridge segment was installed at the end of last year. The bridge is scheduled to open in April this year.
Want to know more about the project? Read more here.
Architect: ZJA Architects & Engineers
Client: De Vlaamse Waterweg
Client for ZJA: THV Arcadis–Sweco
Road bridge contractor: TM HYE – HENS
Cycling bridge contractor: TM Artes Roegiers – Aelterman
Year: 2017 – present
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