The Flemish Government finally adopted the draft project decision for the Western Access to the Waaslandhaven (WOW) project. WOW forms part of the complex project, 'Extra Container Capacity Antwerp' (CP ECA). CP ECA will enable the handling of an additional 7 million TEUs of containers per year, in part through the construction of a new tidal dock and the associated logistical-industrial sites. Now that this has been adopted by the Flemish Government, an important step has been taken in improving the port's connection to the main highway for various modes of transport (rail, car and goods vehicle traffic, bicycle). The construction of the new infrastructure will be carried out with respect for the surrounding area and before the planned Second Tidal Dock comes into operation. From 15 April to 13 June 2024, anyone who wishes to do so can comment on the plans during the public inquiry.
The port as a hub for the provisioning of our country
Among other things, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges specialises in the handling of containers and is an indispensable hub in the provisioning and handling of exports from our country. It therefore contributes significantly to prosperity and purchasing power in Flanders. In 2016, the Flemish Government decided that space needed to be provided to handle an additional 7 million TEUs of containers per year in the Antwerp port area. In order to achieve that, the complex project, 'Extra Container Capacity Antwerp' (CP ECA), was launched. The two largest projects within CP ECA are:
- the Container Cluster for the Left Bank of the Scheldt (CCL) with the construction of a Second Tidal Dock, infill at the northern harbour basin and the improvement of the area surrounding the Doeldok and the associated logistical sites;
- the Western Access to the Waaslandhaven (WOW) with the construction of a new road linking the port area to the main road network for vehicular and heavy goods traffic, alongside the existing road (the Blikken). Furthermore, the existing rail access will be improved and expanded for the companies already present, for the future terminals in the port on the left bank of the Scheldt and for the companies in the western part of the port. Bicycle connections will also be completed and expanded, thereby maintaining support for the modal shift when commuting between home and work. Finally, a natural buffer with opportunities for recreation will also be provided and will surround the port area and the new infrastructure.
Public inquiry with two drop-in information events
The public survey for the Western Access to the Waaslandhaven runs from 15 April to 13 June 2024 inclusive. Anyone who wishes to do so can comment on the plans during that period. Full information and documents can be found on the website https://cpeca.be.
If you would like more information or are curious about what the Western Access to the Waaslandhaven and the buffer will look like, you can attend two drop-in information events:
- Wednesday, 24 April 2024 at OC Ermenrike (Tuinwijkstraat 66, 9130 Kieldrecht)
- Thursday 25 April 2024 at OC De Verre (Pater Vergauwenstraat 8b, 9130 Verrebroek)
Both drop-in information events will be open continuously from 3 to 8 p.m.
Comments on the plans can be made until 13 June 2024, via info@cpeca.be or by registered mail to Reginald Loyen, Department of Mobility and Public Works/Policy Department, Boulevard du Roi Albert II 15, boîte 437, 1210 Brussels. Anyone who wishes to do so may also deliver a letter with requested confirmation of receipt to the municipality of Beveren, Gravenplein 7, 9120 Beveren.