More than a bridge

Since World War II, the Albert Canal Bridge at Vroenhoven has held special significance for Belgium. It was over this bridge that the German military marched into Belgium in May 1940, bringing war to the country. Currently, the Albert Canal, over which the bridge spans, is being expanded to accommodate larger ships. This necessitated the demolition of the old bridge between Riemst and Vroenhoven and the construction of a new one. The planners had to consider aesthetic, historical, traffic-related, and structural aspects. Special emphasis was placed on preserving the historical background.

Abutment, Information center, Amphitheater, Cafe

A special concept has emerged that can almost be described as unique in its kind. The bridge itself is a steel bridge with a width of 18.5 m and a total length of 195 m. It accommodates two lanes, flanked by pedestrian and bicycle paths.
On the Riemst side, a massive structure has been built, combining the functions of an abutment and a World War II information center. Integrated within are several multifunctional rooms, a cafe-restaurant, and an amphitheater. The exterior walls of the building are 170 m long and made of textured concrete, allowing them to be used as climbing walls.
However, the main focus is clearly on its role as an information center about World War II. Therefore, a bunker has also been preserved and integrated into the concept.

Textured concrete

One of the predominant building materials of the bridge is white fair-faced concrete, infused with ochre-colored pigments to resemble natural granite. To enhance this impression, the planners opted to texture the surface of the concrete using NOEplast textured formliners. For the Vroenhoven Bridge, they chose the NOEplast stone structure Granite IV. It replicates the surface of roughly hewn granite, providing a solid foundation with its varied grooves for a texture closely resembling the original bridge. To further emphasize this effect, the project leaders also employed a surface or retarder admixture. Its purpose is to delay the setting of the concrete, preventing the top layer of cement from hardening. This allows the surface to be washed off after formwork removal with a sharp jet of water, revealing the aggregate and contributing to the bridge's distinctive appearance.