The Noriant consortium formed by VINCI, as lead company, through VINCI Concessions (35%) and CFE and its subsidiaries, Aanneming Van Wellen and Dredging International (14%), in association with Besix (25%), Cordeel ZT (11%), Fabricom GTI (10%) and Victor Buyck Steel Construction (5%), has been declared preferred bidder for the concession to operate the Oosterweelverbinding by BAM (Beheersmaatschappij Antwerpen Mobiel), the public sector entity in charge of the plan to construct Antwerp's new infrastructure. The 39-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract relates to the design, financing, building and maintenance of 30 km of traffic lanes in the northwest of Antwerp. Its aim is, in particular, to increase mobility in the Antwerp port area, by completing the western part of the ring road and providing a direct link between the E19 in the north and the E17 in the south to facilitate international transit. Construction work should last four years and should begin at the end of 2008 after the final negotiations for the conclusion of the contract. The project includes the construction of an immersed tunnel under the Schelde river, a curved two-level cable-stayed bridge with a main span of 603 metres on the right bank of the Schelde, interchanges and a toll station. Visit www.werkenantwerpen.be, www.vinci.com, www.cfe.be, www.vanwellen.be, www.dredging.com, www.besix.com and www.fabricom-gti.com 02/08.Open procedure, deadline 11.12.2008, for diagnostic studies about security equipment in Brussels-Capitale region tunnels. Visit http://ted.europa.eu/udl?request=Seek-Deliver&language=en&docid=287737-2008 OJ S 216 or contact Eric Ghilain, Region Bruxelles-Capitale, fax + 32 2 2041503, e-mail: eghilain@mbhg.irisnet.be 46/08.