The redevelopment of the R4 West & Oost (R4WO) is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Flanders. With an investment of €726 million, the project aims to improve traffic flow and road safety around Ghent while enhancing the quality of life in the surrounding residential areas. The Flemish authorities entrusted the execution to De Werkvennootschap, which appointed the BRAVO4 consortium—BESIX, Stadsbader, EPICo, I4B – The Belgian Infrastructure Fund, and RID PPP. The project is being developed under the DBFM model (Design, Build, Finance & Maintain) and includes 14 junctions, numerous bridges, tunnels, and bicycle connections.
THE NEW RINGVAART BRIDGE, A LANDMARK GATEWAY TO GHENT
Within the R4WO programme, the construction of the new Ringvaart Bridge in Wondelgem/Evergem stands out as one of its most iconic milestones.
Designed by Ney & Partners and built by Victor Buyck Steel Construction, the bridge is an impressive steel structure:
- Length: 133 m
- Width: 55 m
- Height: 29 m
- Total weight: 2,650 tonnes
- Type: prestressed steel bridge with cable suspension
Featuring three traffic lanes in each direction, a dual bicycle path and an ecopassage, the bridge will form a crucial connection on the northern access route to the city. In 2025, BESIX relocated the existing Ringvaart Bridge to a temporary bypass, enabling construction of the new structure beside the canal. In March 2026, a spectacular SPMT-transport over floating pontoons will move the new bridge into its final position.
For all welding, painting and blasting works on the steel structure, Victor Buyck Steel Construction relies on AFIX FAST X52 modular system scaffolding, known for its high load capacity, stability and rapid assembly. Four scaffolding towers of 35 metres, equipped with dual aluminium stair access, provide safe and efficient access to the top structure. The upper working platforms are fully encapsulated with shrink wrap, enabling teams to weld, grind, blast and paint in controlled, weather-protected conditions.
Additional sealed platforms were also installed at the four corners of the trapezoidal bridge structure.
AFIX ENGINEERING: SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX GEOMETRIES
The Ringvaart Bridge is far from a conventional bridge—making it a genuine engineering challenge for the AFIX team. The pyramidal steel structure rests on pillars with square heads, an ideal starting point for scaffold layout. But the complexity quickly increases: the pyramid ribs meet at the top under different angles, meaning no elements are parallel or perpendicular to each other. In addition, the trapezoidal base of the bridge is partially suspended above ground level, creating further complexity in positioning the scaffold towers and connections.
AFIX engineers performed detailed on-site measurements, analysed every available support and mounting point, and developed a stable, safe and fully buildable scaffolding plan tailored to the structure. The result: a customised scaffolding configuration that integrates seamlessly with the bridge’s unique geometry.
STRONGER TOGETHER IN STEEL
The construction of the new Ringvaart Bridge is a prime example of top-level civil engineering, where design, steel fabrication, transport and assembly come together in a tightly coordinated effort. For AFIX Group, the project reaffirms its role as a trusted partner for demanding infrastructure and steel construction projects both in Belgium and abroad.
“As a manufacturer of professional system scaffolding, we are proud that AFIX FAST X52 plays a key role in this prestigious project,” says AFIX Group. “Our collaboration with partners such as Victor Buyck and BESIX demonstrates how modularity, safety and engineering expertise reinforce efficient project management.”
Once the bridge is fully assembled and repositioned, the second half of 2026 will focus on completing the surrounding roadworks: sewerage, drainage, asphalt, and road markings. The entire junction is scheduled for delivery in October 2026.
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