Connecting smarter, building better

Under the motto 'connect smarter, build better', TBI company Mobilis has been working for over 100 years to improve and optimize the infrastructure of the Netherlands and beyond. Mobilis is convinced that building better starts with smart connections. The best results are achieved in cooperation with partners. A look back at some of the high-profile projects Mobilis has contributed to or is still contributing to last year. 

A16 Rotterdam

During the weekend of March 5 and 6, 2022, the construction of the A16 Rotterdam motorway experienced a special moment. Indeed, important steps were taken at both ends of the 11-kilometer stretch by combination De Groene Boog, of which Mobilis is part. At the future connection between the A13 and the A16 Rotterdam, the current A13 towards The Hague was moved to its final location under a new viaduct. This allowed work to continue safely and without additional disruption on the first energy-neutral highway in the Netherlands. At the other end of the alignment, an increasingly long viaduct was pushed over moving traffic for the first time on the A20/A16 connecting arch. At the Terbregseplein interchange, the viaduct makes the connection between the A16 Rotterdam and the existing A16. All in all, a complex project that will open to traffic in 2024. 

Amstel Stream Bridge

The Amstelstroom bridge over the Duivendrechtsevaart in Amsterdam does open already. On May 31, 2022, to be exact. The nature-inclusive bridge is characterized by a slender silhouette and the use of red brick in the underpass and in front of the pylons. The original detailing refers to the rich tradition of Amsterdam bridges and in particular to the architecture of the Amsterdam School. "The Amstel Stream Bridge is a fine example where ecology, the application of sustainable materials and concrete technology are integrated in a beautiful way," said Remco Hoeboer, Mobilis director. All materials used for the Amstel Stream Bridge are high-quality, sustainable, recyclable and maintenance-friendly, and will only become more beautiful with time. Moreover, the bridge can be adapted as future developments in the infrastructure demand.

John Frost Bridge

Another "bridge project" was carried out earlier this year in the east of the country. Commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, the Mobilis - Iris combination was responsible for the major maintenance of the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem. The monumental bridge, best known as the iconic landmark of Operation Market Garden, is one of the most important traffic bridges connecting Arnhem center over the Lower Rhine with Arnhem-Zuid and the A325. Mobilis was responsible for the concrete activities, while Belgian firm Iris Industry Solutions handled the preservation work on the steel structures. Innovation and sustainability were important principles in the call for tenders to the market. This project was a pilot within the framework of the Department of Public Works' low-emission construction site. The combination made very limited use of fossil fuels while reducing the nuisance on the surroundings. Thanks also to the e-co2tainer, a mobile unit that can provide green electricity at any construction site. 

Tilburg WWTP

The fact that Mobilis is a versatile infrastructure contractor is evidenced by, among other things, its participation in the Water Purification Alliance (WZA), consisting of Mobilis, Croonwolter&dros, RWB, TAUW and Sweco and Waterschap De Dommel. Together they are tackling the large-scale renovation of RWZI Tilburg. The water quality must improve and the plants are in need of replacement. The Definitive Design (DO) of the aeration tanks has been completed. A milestone. In addition, other subprojects are underway, such as the modification of the mechanical treatment plant, the service water plant and the replacement of various assets at the WWTP, the so-called Long Term Assets Planning (LTAP). Complicated are the eight phases to carry out the work without disrupting the process. In late September, the Final Design was presented to the board of Water Board De Dommel and the complete construction team. The result is a robust plant with a view to future developments, costs, energy and limiting (nitrous oxide) emissions. The planned implementation will take place in 2023-2024.

SWITCH Southwest

Mobilis is also proving its added value in the "energy sector. For example, BAM Infra and SWITCH Zuid-West, a consortium consisting of Mobilis and Strukton Civiel, are working together on the realization of the 48 kilometer long 380 kV high-voltage line for TenneT between the towns of Borssele and Rilland. On the project, the first new wintrack pylons were installed on foundations realized by SWITCH in the spring of 2022. In the months that followed, the new power highway became increasingly visible in the municipalities of Reimerswaal and Kapelle, where SWITCH is building the connection. A number of mast locations are already completely finished or ready for the arrival of the masts, at other locations SWITCH is still busy realizing the foundations. Once a row of pylons is in place, SPIE Netherlands will hang the high-voltage lines (conductors) in the pylons. The new high-voltage connection is expected to be completed and ready for operation in 2024, after which the existing 150 kV connection will be removed.