Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A new 10-meter-wide cycle bridge over the R1 in Antwerp links the F41 and Ringfietspad, improves safety, and supports green mobility. The main figures are Annick De Ridder, Gert Osselaer, and Lantis.
AS VRT News reported, a new cycle bridge has opened over the R1 at Sint-Anna in Antwerp. They mentioned that this is part of the region’s plan to encourage sustainable transport. The bridge links the F41 cycle path, which runs from Zelzate to Antwerp, with the Ringfietspad, a major cycling route around the city.
The bridge is 10 meters wide, with a 6-meter-wide cycle path. Officials mentioned that its location at the busy Sint-Anna junction removes the need for dangerous crossings over busy roads, making it safer and more convenient for people travelling to and from Zwijndrecht, Linkeroever, and the wider Waasland area.
“With the Oosterweel works, we are doing more than completing the Antwerp Ring Road. We are building an environment where mobility and quality of life go hand in hand,”
Says Gert Osselaer, operational director of Lantis.
How is Antwerp’s new cycle bridge and ecoduct making the city greener and safer?
The new bridge was opened by Annick De Ridder, the Flemish Minister of Mobility. She said it helps people switch from cars to bikes. She explained that safe cycle routes make it easier to choose bikes over cars.
Lantis, which is building over 16 kilometres of new cycle paths, wants to create a network for easy biking. She mentioned that this bridge helps with traffic, pollution, and makes cities better. It connects people, makes travel safer, and improves the city for the future.
According to officials, near the new cycle bridge, there’s a new ecoduct. This is a bridge for animals, connecting the Vlietbos and Het Rot nature areas. It’s part of Ringpark West, a big green project.
They mentioned that the ecoduct lets animals cross the road safely. It helps plants and animals live together without danger. When finished, it will be part of a large nature area called ‘Groenpool Linkeroever’, about 500 hectares.
“The bridge makes the environment liveable again for us as residents.”
Local resident Marleen Van Royen
The locals are happy with the changes happening. People like Danny Hoens think it’s a big improvement. Marleen Van Royen, who lives there and is in the Cyclists’ Union, says the project makes their neighbourhood better.
