Combination Mobilis and Croonwolter&dros renovates moveable parts of Haringvliet bridge

Rijkswaterstaat has definitively awarded the renovation of the Haringvliet Bridge to a combination of Mobilis and Croonwolter&dros. The contract consists of design work and execution of the renovation of the moveable parts of the Haringvliet Bridge.

During the renovation of the movable part of the Haringvliet Bridge, the bridge valve, the drive and movement mechanism, the joint transitions, the concrete structures and all technical systems will be replaced. The operation of the bridge will soon be done from a building at the Volkerak locks. A standardized system for operation, control and monitoring (3B building blocks) of bridges will be installed here.

Portfolio Approach

The tender was put on the market according to a so-called portfolio approach. This means that if the contractor for the renovation of the Haringvliet Bridge performs well, he may also carry out the renovation of a subsequent bridge with a similar task. In this case it concerns the Merwede Bridge in Papendrecht. With the portfolio approach, Rijkswaterstaat wants to establish a long-term connection with market parties. The approach enables learning experiences to be gained across assignments. It also creates more room for innovations that can be applied simultaneously in multiple projects. It also saves on tender time and costs.

Solid planning

The renovation of the valve and the drive and motion work requires the bridge to be closed to all road traffic for about 7 to 8 weeks in mid-2023. The combination Mobilis and Croonwolter&dros offers a well thought-out, solid planning. Together with a good price-quality ratio, this is one of the main reasons for Rijkswaterstaat to award the project to the combination.

National bridge and lock standard

The renovation will pay extra attention to system integration based on national bridge and lock standards. Thus, after the renovation, the Haringvliet Bridge will meet the latest standards for standardization and safety and will also have a CE mark.

Strong by working together

In carrying out the work, the Mobilis and Croonwolter&dros combination is using the craftsmanship of the Special Engineering Department and the recently acquired TBI Infra company Struijk demolition works. A partnership has been formed with Hollandia Infra and Machinefabriek Rusthoven for the steel trap and movement work. Mammoet has joined as a partner for horizontal and vertical transport. Soltegro provides the interface with the 3B building blocks.

Replacement and Renovation

The Haringvliet Bridge is located in the A29 and connects the Hoekse Waard to Goeree-Overflakkee via the Hellegats Dam and to the mainland of North Brabant via the bridge over the Volkerak Locks. Commissioned in 1964, the 1220-meter-long bridge has a fixed section of about one kilometer and a movable valve and bascule basement. In 2023, the movable part will reach the end of its technical lifetime and will therefore be renovated. Renovation of the fixed part of the bridge will follow after 2025.

Over the next few years, Rijkswaterstaat is working to replace and renovate its existing infrastructure. Many bridges, tunnels, locks and viaducts date from the 1950s and 1960s. They have also been heavily loaded over the years by more and more and heavier traffic. This increases the chance of failures, which is why they are now being renewed. For this extensive job, we are using smart and sustainable techniques as much as possible. In this way we are renewing the infrastructure for future generations, and in the future you will be able to get from A to B quickly, safely and sustainably. The Haringvliet Bridge is one of the bridges that will be renovated.