Region and state invest 100 million in accessibility and water safety

The provinces of Flevoland and Overijssel and the Ministry of IenW are jointly investing 100 million euros in accessibility and water safety of the IJsseldelta region. The Roggebot combination (Mobilis, Van Gelder and Van den Herik) will carry out the work. Today the agreement was signed for this purpose, by among others deputy Jan de Reus of Flevoland, Bert Boerman of Overijssel and representatives of the contractor. In connection with the corona measures, no festive gathering took place, but all those involved put their signatures at home or in the office.

The project is the final piece of the Room for the River IJssel Delta program, which has made the river area of the Netherlands safer and more beautiful. With the demolition of the Roggebot lock, high water from the IJssel can also be drained into the IJsselmeer via the Reevediep. The project also gives another boost to traffic flow on the A-Z connection (Alkmaar-Zwolle).

Circulation of N307 improved

With the demolition of the lock, there will be a new 300-meter-long bridge at this location, which will open significantly less frequently for shipping. "Virtually 100 percent of commercial shipping and 90 percent of recreational shipping will soon be able to pass under the bridge. In addition, car traffic will have priority over shipping traffic during rush hour. "That will give an enormous boost to traffic flow," says deputy Jan de Reus. Locally, the N307 will also receive an upgrade, parallel roads will be constructed and measures taken for bicycle safety. "We will also remain in dialogue with residents and businesses during the realization of the new infrastructure. And the contractor has promised to minimize disruption to the surrounding area," says Deputy Bert Boerman. Meanwhile, the first preparatory works can already be seen outside. After the summer, work will begin on moving cables and pipes in the area.

Combination Roggebot at work

The companies Mobilis, Van Gelder and Van den Herik together form Combinatie Roggebot, which will carry out the project. The contract was awarded at the beginning of September. Preparations for implementation have now started. "We will first, in consultation with various parties, further develop the designs and optimize them where possible. For the ramps of the new bridge, we will begin in January 2021 with the application of sand so that it can set. Construction preparations will also start then," says Robert Maat on behalf of the combination. "The new bridge will be built next to the current road above the lock, so that during the entire construction period traffic can continue as usual and safety for road users and builders is guaranteed. And of course we are taking into account all the interests of people, businesses and flora and fauna in the area."