Name of the Project
Albert Canal – Cluster 1 public–private partnership.

Location
Flanders, Belgium.

Client
De Vlaamse Waterweg.

Project Description
The Albert Canal connects the Port of Antwerp with the Liège industry area. However, the height and width restrictions of existing bridges limit the canal’s potential to act as a major transportation route. To accommodate bigger container vessels, de Vlaamse Waterweg plans to raise 32 bridges across the Albert Canal to 9.10 m above canal level and increase the canal width at the bridges.

The Albert Canal – Cluster 1 scheme com-prises seven bridges located at Eigenbilzen, Zutendaal, Stokrooie, Kwaadmechelen Zwartenhoek, Eindhout, Geel-Stelen and Herentals-Lier. The existing bridges will be replaced by 120-m-tall steel arch bridges.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Value
€300-million.

Duration
Construction of the new bridges will be completed in several stages, with the final bridge scheduled to be completed by mid-2020.

Latest Developments
Mott MacDonald has provided technical due diligence for the lenders to support financial close, including reviewing potential issues arising from the design, environment and construction and maintenance approaches.

The consultancy has also analysed possible risks associated with project agreement, and construction and operational subcontracts.

Throughout the next stages of the project, Mott MacDonald will undertake construction and maintenance monitoring services.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Mott MacDonald (lenders’ technical adviser).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
De Vlaamse Waterweg, tel +32 11 29 84 00, fax +32 11 22 12 77 or email info@vlaamsewaterweg.be.