Deurganckdoksluis

Construction

The construction of the second lock on the left bank of the Scheldt means one of the largest infrastructure projects of the coming years has now been launched in the Port of Antwerp. It should take four to five years to establish the lock in Waasland Port. The lock has to be ready by 2015.

The work comprises five major components:

• Preparatory work.
  In the case of such a large infrastructure project the preparatory work is not confined to demarcating and developing the site. Pipes, roads and a railway line also have to be re-routed. A temporary bridge for the ground escavation transport is being established over Sint-Antoniusweg so the traffic is not disturbed by the work.

• Construction of the lock.
  A huge trench is being dug out for the installation of the lock. Towards this end an estimated 4,7 million m3 of sand has to be removed, part of which will be used for the subsequent filling of the Doel Dock and part for raising more sites around the new lock.
  Next comes the concreting with the construction of L-shaped side walls for the lock, lock heads with the gate resesses and bridge cellars, and culverts used to regulate the water level in the lock.
  The lock gates and bascule bridges will then be placed and the electromechanical equipment for the lock and bridges installed.

• Construction of buildings.
  Subsequent to the actual lock other buildings will be constructed: the lock building, machinery buildings, buildings for the lock operators and towing.

• Installation of access channels.
  In order to allow the vessels access to the lock, access channels have to be established on both sides. Quay walls are being built on both sides so as to demarcate the access channel.

• Installation of associated access roads and railways
  The existing roads and railway where the lock is are being replaced by new roads that connect to the bridges. One of the rail and road systems will be in use at all times so as to avoid any inconvenience.