A Bridge on the Statieplein
With an ambitious urban renewal project, the city of Aarschot aims to transform its station district into a vibrant neighborhood where living, working, and leisure are seamlessly combined. On the city side, the Statieplein will receive a major facelift. The barren lot currently used as a car park at the rear will become “park-ing”: a green parking strip connecting the Elzenhof to the Demer River. At the end of Nieuwland, new industrial buildings and offices are planned.

A slow-traffic connection will link both sides of the city and complete the provincial cycling route network. The bridge marks the start of the transformation works.

The masterplan envisions a long bridge beginning at the post office, ascending parallel to the railway tracks, then crossing them diagonally to land on a newly created green hill near the LCI building.

We propose to shift the route and cross the tracks perpendicularly, midway between the post office and the station!
This revised position offers several advantages:

It connects the historic city center to Nieuwland and Elzenhof in the most direct way.
Statieplein is visually linked to the new “entrance square” on the opposite side.
The bridge becomes a key urban and landscape element, filling and enlivening the gap in the square’s edge. A true landmark!
The total length is reduced from 400 to 320 meters – a 20% saving, as bridge costs are proportional to their length.
Walking distances from platform to parking and station are minimized.
The overhead wires are crossed at their lowest point, allowing for shorter ramps and improved ease of use.
With this new alignment, the bridge becomes a powerful gesture that announces the renewed station area from Statiestraat and Antoon de Croylaan.

The bridge itself is designed for both the leisurely cyclist and the hurried commuter.
Wide curves, gentle slopes, and minimal inclines ensure an easy and pleasant route.

Cyclists ascend via a broad spiral ramp to a height of 7 meters, making a full 360° turn while enjoying panoramic views over the Hageland and gliding past the bus depot. A minimum clearance of 4.60 meters underneath the bridge allows free passage for public buses.

Half-sunken beneath the spiral ramp, an optional covered bike shelter for 500 bicycles is included.

On the square, a wide monumental staircase invites pedestrians to ascend the bridge, take in the panorama, and explore the terrain beyond. The stairs create a meeting point: where a departing student kisses their partner goodbye, a trendy businessman grabs a sandwich, or a tired hiker takes a moment to rest.

Once over the tracks, the route continues briefly and efficiently before descending again—gently and broadly—through a slalom among the tree trunks and canopies of the park.
The curve just touches the new entrance square. At the bottom, the ramp connects seamlessly to the wide cycle path. The cyclist continues their journey toward Nieuwland or the Elzenhof.