PIDPA has begun the construction of a new drinking water supply line that will serve the Mechelen region. The pipeline, ranging from 400 to 800 meters in length, replaces an aging infrastructure from the 1950s and 1960s. The works are being carried out in phases, with the current focus on the section between Heist-op-den-Berg and the water production center in the Smallerijt area of Westerlo.
Previous work in Hallaar and Hulshout took place in 2025 and the first half of 2026. The construction site is now progressing towards Westerlo, via Stippelberg and Zoerleberg. The company Canalco is responsible for the execution of the works. An information meeting was held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at De Zoerla.
The installation of the pipeline, with pipe sections of 56 centimeters in diameter and 20 meters in length, causes inconvenience to local residents. These pipes are welded together to form a single pipe up to 800 meters long, which is then pulled underground to a depth of 15 meters, beneath the roadway. This requires the creation of two bore pits: an entry pit and an exit pit. In certain locations, such as the intersection with Hoog Heultje, work in an open trench is necessary.
Phase 7, concerning the intersection of Hulshoutsesteenweg, Gravin de Merodestraat, Stippelberg, and Hoog Heultje, is scheduled from August 31 to October 30, 2026. In this phase, the pipe will be laid in an open trench. The work is dependent on weather and site conditions. The contractor has permits until October 30, 2026.
The works at the intersection are divided into sub-phases. Sub-phase B, on the Stippelberg side, will commence after the completion of sub-phase A. This involves excavating a trench, demolishing an underground chamber where pipes intersect, and laying the new pipe. The intersection is closed on the Hulshoutsesteenweg side, with traffic lights installed on Gravin de Merodestraat and Hoog Heultje. Detours are in place for cyclists and through traffic.
Phase 8, on Stippelberg from numbers 319-292 to 255-220, runs from October 5 to November 6, 2026. Preparatory work begins on October 8, 2026. The drilling operations at the entry pit are scheduled from October 12 to 23, 2026, and the pipe pulling will occur in the week of October 19, 2025. The schedule is subject to conditions.
The pipeline installation is carried out using an entry pit and an exit pit. Pipe sections are welded together and then pulled through the bored tunnel. Emergency services are informed of the closures and are given priority. Access to driveways in the welding zone may be temporarily restricted.
Subsequent phases on Stippelberg are planned until February 2027, with further phases on Zoerleberg extending to April 2027. More detailed information will follow.
For further information, please contact meldpunt@westerlo.be, 014 53 92 40, leidingenprojecten@pidpa.be, or project leader Stefan Tamble from contractor Canalco at 0477 67 01 55.
