In a remarkable display of engineering finesse, Sarens has successfully delivered and installed a new bridge over Belgium’s Albert Canal in collaboration with the bridge construction company Aelterman. This project, spearheaded by Sarens, exemplifies innovation in transport and logistics while enhancing sustainable road connections for pedestrians and cyclists in the region.
Aelterman, a trusted client of Sarens for decades, relied on the company’s expertise to construct and position the Wijnegem bridge. Sarens Rentals provided leadership and state-of-the-art cranes, including the LTM 1500-8.1 and AC500 models, to ensure the bridge’s construction at Aelterman’s Ghent workshops was executed seamlessly. The operation was completed in a swift two-day timeframe, showcasing the efficiency of Sarens’ equipment and planning.
This project stood out due to its unique logistical challenges. Unlike previous arched bridge installations along the canal, this structure was transported fully assembled—an impressive feat given its dimensions of 88 meters in length, 18 meters in width, and 9 meters in height. The raised bridges at the canal’s entry allowed for a clearance of 9.1 meters, enabling this ambitious transportation.
Sarens Projects oversaw the intricate logistics, which began with moving the bridge from the workshops to a pontoon using 4×10-axle lines of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs). From there, the pontoon carried the structure to the port of Antwerp, where Sarens’ twin barge, the Karel-Victor, took over. The barge, fresh from operations in Duisburg, was critical to the journey.
Precision was paramount as Sarens used jacking systems to transfer the bridge from the pontoon to the Karel-Victor. Heavy-duty braces secured the structure on the deck, allowing it to navigate low-clearance underpasses like the Teunis bridges in Antwerp. With only 40 centimeters of freeboard and the bridge ends skimming the water, pushboats guided the barge with unparalleled accuracy.
At the installation site in Wijnegem, Sarens jacked the bridge on the canal side while minimizing disruptions to shipping traffic. After three days of meticulous preparation, the canal was closed for 12 hours to finalize the positioning. Using anchor cables and winches, the Karel-Victor was aligned to the nearest centimeter, ensuring precise installation.
This successful operation not only underscores Sarens’ commitment to excellence but also strengthens its longstanding partnership with Aelterman.
