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Bicycle & pedestrian bridge Zulte

  • Location: ZULTE [BE]
  • Discipline: CIVIL ENGINEERING & INFRASTRUCTURE, URBANISM & DESIGN
  • Period: 2021 - ...
  • Approval of environmental permit
    March 2023
  • Submission of environmental permit
    August 2022
  • Steering committee meeting project note
    November 2021
  • Steering committee meeting start note
    May 2021
  • Start of the study
    January 2021
Seine-Schelde_Leie Pand 140 Sint-Baafs-Vijve Deinze De Vlaamse Waterweg Seinebekken fietsbrug voetgangersbrug fiets- en voetgangersbrug Zulte SBE engineering

The Lys River is being widened as part of the Seine-Scheldt project to improve inland navigation in Flanders, without losing sight of nature and recreation. The client De Vlaamse Waterweg NV is working with the municipality of Zulte to create a new bridge for cyclists and pedestrians. Similar to the Wielsbeke – Waregem bicycle bridge, maximum effort is put into both the recreational and functional character. SBE is also here responsible for the integral design of the bridge, including approach ramps, environmental layout and a viewpoint.

The construction of this bridge will further enhance the recreational bicycle network along the Lys itself and its connection to a wider region. On a smaller scale, the historic connection between downtown Zulte and the Castle at Lake will be re-established. The new bicycle and pedestrian bridge will provide opportunities for both the recreational and functional cycle route network to connect and interlink routes. The new route connects the Limnanderdreef and the F371 bicycle highway towards Wielsbeke. A new resting point with viewpoint on passing ships offers a new tourist attraction.

Seine-Schelde_Leie Pand 140 Sint-Baafs-Vijve Deinze De Vlaamse Waterweg Seinebekken fietsbrug voetgangersbrug fiets- en voetgangersbrug Zulte SBE engineering #teamsbe #expertsatpla

The overall aim is for a simple, harmonious bridge that does not impose itself on this location but is one with the open Lys landscape. The design of the bridge should be related to the recently designed bicycle bridge in Wielsbeke-Waregem. The main span consists of a steel bridge that follows a quasi-symmetrical curve above the Lys River. Slender concrete access ramps will be constructed on both banks, which will connect to a new embankment on the left bank on top of the existing bank protection.

Also, here the bridge is the result of optimal synergy between structural requirements and architectural design. A steel bridge construction is used in line with the design of the Waregem – Wielsbeke bicycle bridge, which follows the momentum line of its own weight in order to obtain its typical form. This creates a logical, organic, and slender form that fits smoothly within the natural landscape.

A parametric geometry model is built in the design phase due to the organic shape. Different variants can be tested by exporting this model into a calculation and drawing model. The most interesting design is ultimately selected by considering form, cost estimate, use of materials and technical requirements.

  • Seine-Schelde_Leie Pand 140 Sint-Baafs-Vijve Deinze De Vlaamse Waterweg Seinebekken fietsbrug voetgangersbrug fiets- en voetgangersbrug Zulte SBE engineering #teamsbe #expertsatpla
  • Seine-Schelde_Leie Pand 140 Sint-Baafs-Vijve Deinze De Vlaamse Waterweg Seinebekken fietsbrug voetgangersbrug fiets- en voetgangersbrug Zulte SBE engineering #teamsbe #expertsatplay
  • Seine-Schelde_Leie Pand 140 Sint-Baafs-Vijve Deinze De Vlaamse Waterweg Seinebekken fietsbrug voetgangersbrug fiets- en voetgangersbrug Zulte SBE engineering #teamsbe #expertsatpla
  • Seine-Schelde_Leie Pand 140 Sint-Baafs-Vijve Deinze De Vlaamse Waterweg Seinebekken fietsbrug voetgangersbrug fiets- en voetgangersbrug Zulte SBE engineering #teamsbe #expertsatpla

This project is part of the Seine-Scheldt project, Reach 140. In addition to the widening of the waterway, attention is also paid within this file to a supported landscape vision. Semi-open to wide-open vegetation is used to preserve the openness of the valley and to accentuate the view of the valley edges.

Responsibilities SBE

  • Architecture
  • Design of cycle paths and surroundings
  • Stability design of the engineering structures (preliminary design to implementation design)
  • Preparation of the start and project note
  • Preparation of the implementation file
  • Preparation of the tender file
  • Preparation of environmental permit application
  • Assistance in the follow-up of works
  • 3D visualizations

Masterplan

  • Seine-Schelde sluis Harelbeke engineering SBE #teamsbe #expertsatplay

    Refurbishment Seine Scheldt

    The Seine Scheldt project is a European initiative linking the Seine Basin (Paris region) with the Scheldt Basin (Antwerp). In Flanders, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv, supported by the European Union, is leading this pilot project. For our country, this means specifically adapting 7 waterways. On the one hand, sailing capacity will be increased, but on the other there is a need to carry out river restoration, recreation on and along the water, and urban renewal.
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Other subprojects

  • Seine-Schelde sluis Harelbeke engineering SBE #teamsbe #expertsatplay

    Redevelopment of the Leie and lock complex at Harelbeke

    In order to make the Seine-Scheldt section navigable for ships up to 4,500 tonnes, the river Lys in Harelbeke needed to be made deeper. The future-proofing of the water site was accompanied by a new lock and barrage complex, the construction of 3 new bridges (2 fixed and 1 movable), bank defences, quay walls, soil protection and the redevelopment of the immediate surroundings.
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  • Seine Schelde Leie Doortocht Menen SBE engineering grote schepen binnenvaart waterbouw

    Menen crossing

    The works on the Lys crossing in Menen are on two fronts: on the one hand the straightening of the Lys itself in the city centre, which includes new quay walls and a new bridge, and on the other a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge in the outskirts of the project area.
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  • Seine-Schelde_Leie Pand 140 Sint-Baafs-Vijve Deinze De Vlaamse Waterweg Seinebekken SBE engineering #teamsbe #expertsatplay

    Calibration Lys Reach 140 (Sint-Baafs-Vijve to Deinze)

    This subproject involves the passage of the Lys between Sint-Baafs-Vijve and Deinze. In addition to the adjustment of the calibrated profile (especially from a nautical and hydraulic perspective), this project also focuses on the ecological and landscape aspects.
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  • Seine Schelde Pand 150 Harelbeke Sint-Baafs-Vijve SBE engineering #teamsbe #expertsatplay

    Calibration Lys Reach 150 (Harelbeke to Sint-Baafs-Vijve)

    This subproject involves the passage of the Leie River between Harelbeke and Sint-Baafs-Vijve. The Leie is deepened and widened (calibrated) to allow larger vessels to navigate on the waterway. In addition to the adjustments from a nautical and hydraulic perspective, this project also focuses on the ecological and landscape aspects by establishing nature-friendly riverbanks.
    View this project

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Seine-Schelde sluis Harelbeke engineering SBE #teamsbe #expertsatplay

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