R4 West and East

Belgium

The R4WO project is the comprehensive renewal of the R4 West and East ring road in the north of Ghent, Belgium. It is a transformational public infrastructure initiative commissioned by De Werkvennootschap, as part of the Flemish Government. Designed to significantly improve traffic flow, traffic safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, R4WO will reshape one of Flanders’ major road corridors into a future-proof, multimodal and safe infrastructure network.

Today, the R4 corridor functions as a series of congested intersections that hinder efficient travel and divide neighbourhoods. R4WO restructures approximately 30 kilometres of roadway and introduces 20 kilometres of high-quality bicycle infrastructure, bridging barriers for cyclists and pedestrians while boosting road safety for all users. Implemented through a 30-year public-private partnership with the BRAVO4 consortium, the project combines design, construction, financing, and long-term maintenance under a single integrated contract. A landmark €1 billion financing package and robust stakeholder collaboration demonstrate the project’s strong governance and strategic alignment across public and private partners. Beyond mobility, R4WO enhances liveability in surrounding neighbourhoods . It reduces noise, connects green spaces and integrates ecologically important design solutions. Once completed by the end of 2030, the project will strengthen local economic growth facilitate further development of the port area, set new standards for sustainable urban infrastructure in Belgium, and serve as a model for future strategic PPP investments.