Three different 3D printed bicycle bridges next to N243

On September 29, 2023, the renovated N243 between Alkmaar and Koggenland was officially opened. In recent years, a lot of hard work has gone into redesigning Schermerhornerweg, Middenweg and Noordervaart (N243). The modifications have made the road safer, given it a more 'green' appearance and made it last for years to come. For this project, Weber Beamix printed three different bicycle bridges on its own industrial 3D production line in Eindhoven.

Bert Swart, N243 project manager at the Province of North Holland: "3D concrete printing fits a sustainable future, in which more and more circular construction is taking place."

The N243 runs through beautiful polder landscapes. There are therefore several bridges over the waters of that landscape. Over the Beemsterringvaart, Vrouwensloot and Jispersloot along the Schermerhornerweg (N243) bicycle bridges have been placed to make the road safer for cyclists. These were printed with concrete in the 3D concrete printing factory of Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix. The tallest 3D printed structure in the world was previously printed here.

Thanks to this innovative technology, less material is needed, and less material means less CO emissions.₂. Another advantage of 3D concrete printing technology is the fact that less waste is produced during the construction process by eliminating the need for formwork. The bridges, designed by Witteveen and Bos, contain no reinforcement and are a perfect example of the design freedom and speed of production offered by 3D concrete printing. Finally, special bridge railings will be installed with text in tribute to the Beemster and Schermer rivers.

Delegate Jeroen Olthof of the province of North Holland, Hein Jan Bocxe (director of BAM Infra Nederland), Bas Huysmans (CEO Weber Benelux) and Willem Messchaert (dikeologist and writer of texts) performed the official opening ceremony on Sept. 29.

Some remaining work will be carried out in the coming period, after which the bridges will be completely finished and will enrich the landscape in their full glory for decades to come.