De Werkvennootschap and the BRAVO4 consortium have signed contract documents to reconstruct the R4 East and West in the broad Port of Ghent area, Belgium.

The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety on the R4 while enhancing the tranquility and accessibility of surrounding neighborhoods. On the western side, this pertains to the stretch of the R4 between the N9 in Wondelgem and the E34 in Zelzate, and on the eastern side from the 'Eurosilo' junction in Oostakker to Wachtebeke. Through this transformation, the Flemish government is investing in smoother and safer vehicular traffic alongside residential areas that are conducive to living, as well as safe and convenient cycling routes. In the future, there will be a reduction in the number of entry and exit points, directing motorized traffic towards key intersections. Introducing new bridges, tunnels, and underpasses will enable local traffic to pass under or over the R4.

De Werkvennootschap has initiated a partnership with BRAVO4, comprising BESIX, EPICo, I4B – The Belgian Infrastructure Fund, RID PPP (Rebel and Abrdn), and Stadsbader, for the transformation of the R4 East and West sections in the northern region of Ghent. BRAVO4 was selected as the preferred bidder in the summer of 2021, and in 2022, they refined the initial designs. Subsequently, BRAVO4 secured definitive and executable environmental permits for these refined plans, leading to the recent awarding of the DBFM (Design, Build, Finance, and Maintain) contract and the financing agreements. Financing was arranged through a competitive debt funding process involving a syndicate of Belgian and international banks and insurers. The consortium will commence preparatory work and some expedited interventions in May 2024. The larger-scale construction will commence at 22 points along the R4 in August 2025. The entire transformation is slated for completion by early 2031.