Over the next 7 years, intensive work will take place on the R4 ring road around Ghent, on both the western and eastern sides of the city. The aim is to make the ring road safer and more accessible for everyone. Commissioned by Victor Buyck Steel Construction and BRAVO4 Civiel (Besix and Stadsbader Contractors), and within the R4WO consortium, Boels has been project partner for the entire project since the summer of 2025.
For Boels, this is a special assignment. Not only because of its duration, but also due to its scale and complexity. The Boels Ghent team is doing everything possible to keep the project on schedule.
A project of great scale and complexity
Anyone who looks at the interactive project map will immediately see how large and versatile this project is. It includes cycle bridges, traffic squares, road widening and separated cycle paths. Many of these works take place simultaneously across multiple locations around Ghent. This requires close coordination, fast delivery and equipment that is ready for immediate use.
High activity on site
On the construction site next to the Ringvaart canal, there is constant activity. The team from Victor Buyck Steel Construction is assembling a cycle bridge on site. Boels aerial work platforms enable safe work at height, while telehandlers deliver materials for Besix exactly where and when they are needed. This keeps the work on site moving continuously.
Boels supports this work with a wide range of equipment. At this location alone, 12 aerial work platforms, 3 telehandlers, 30 light towers, units, generators, compressors and various small equipment are in operation. Boels machines are also continuously in use at other locations within this 7-year project.
It’s reassuring to rely on a reliable partner like Boels. Especially in a complex project like this, where many things happen at the same time and many parties are involved
Familiar partner, clear expectations
Boels account manager Filip De Mey established the first contact as soon as it became clear that both companies would be working in Ghent. He still maintains close contact with the client.
Jeffrey explains: “Both companies knew what they could expect from us. Not only a competitive price, but also fast response, good service, a wide range and the quality of our machines.”
Fast response to unexpected challenges
The biggest challenge in this project was translating the client’s request into solutions that work directly in practice.
“In the initial phase, clients often do not yet have all the details clear. During execution, unexpected situations arise. That was also the case here. At first, the peak load for the generators turned out to be too low. We immediately scaled up and involved the expertise of Boels Industrial. They delivered a customised power solution, necessary because welding had to take place at multiple locations at the same time. That requires serious capacity. At such moments, you need to act fast – and that is what we did.”
One point of contact, fast response
The back office of the Boels XL branch in Ghent is the central point of contact for the entire R4 project. Jeffrey de Langhe and his team ensure that the work continues and that the construction partners stay on schedule. “It feels like one team working together to move the project forward.”
Communication lines are short and the team responds immediately. Questions are handled right away and equipment is delivered quickly. If something goes wrong, a solution or replacement equipment is arranged immediately.
Trust through fast response and clear communication
Jasper Galle, responsible for equipment on behalf of Besix within the R4 project, is clear about the collaboration:
“The cooperation is going very well. Everything we ask for is responded to immediately. And if something is not in stock, they find a solution. It is reassuring to be able to rely on a reliable partner like Boels. Especially in a complex project like this, where many things happen simultaneously and many parties are involved. Clear communication is essential to stay on schedule.”
It feels like one team working together to move the project forward
High pressure, high pace
The pressure on site is high. Jeffrey sees every day how fast the project is progressing. “The construction partners work very professionally and have tight deadlines. You leave on Friday evening and when you return on Monday, the entire traffic situation may have changed. It is impressive how quickly progress is made in this project. It is up to us to support them with machines and facilities to keep them on schedule.”
Collaboration that works on site
Site manager Amr Tourk from Victor Buyck Steel Construction is very positive about the cooperation. “It runs very smoothly. If I need something, it is delivered very quickly. The same goes for maintenance of the machines. The Boels team pays attention, even when we don’t need anything, and responds quickly. If something happens, they send a technician the same day. That way we can assemble the bridges and stay on schedule.”
Efficient communication as the key to success
The project is progressing well. Continuous coordination, short communication lines and fast action keep the pace high. With a wide range of machines and the expertise of the entire organisation, Boels fulfils its role as project partner every day. This ensures the client stays on schedule – exactly what matters in a project of this scale.
