Bridge 74 in Lagestraat in Vorsen (Gingelom), which crosses the A3/E40 in the direction of Liége, is managed by the Highways and Traffic Agency, Flemish Brabant division. This bridge needs to be completely replaced since it is sagging increasingly above the central reservation.
Furthermore, the bridge is also suffering from water seepage. The bridge can no longer be repaired and its complete replacement is therefore imperative.
The brief comprises the complete design and a preparatory assessment study of the project. The actual assessment study will be carried out by the client's internal services.
Since the bridge is the last (or first) bridge on Flemish soil, it will define the appearance of one of Flanders' most important entrance and exit roads. Furthermore, it can be conceived as an example of Flanders' ambition regarding infrastructure projects. The bridge must serve as an example of the quality being sought by the Highways and Traffic Agency.
The designer is therefore expected to devote special attention to ensuring that the new design fits in with the surrounding landscape.
The cross-section of the bridge must remain the same as the current cross-section, with a total width of approximately 10 metres. The length of the bridge is approximately 90 metres, in three spans. The new design may possibly use four spans by placing an additional pillar in the central reservation.
In addition to the bridge to be renewed, there is another bridge that crosses the HST line. This bridge does not come under the authority of the Highways and Traffic Agency and will be retained. Since this latter bridge is a 'standard bridge' in terms of its design, the designer is also requested to explain how the new bridge will relate to the existing bridge over the HST line.