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In Zeewolde, a waterway with a lock complex in the form of a lock and a reversing lock is currently being constructed to open up Havenkwartier De Blauwe Diamant. This is a new residential area to be built on the Wolderwijd. The primary and regional flood defenses, as well as the road infrastructure, will also be addressed. A project in which many different parties work closely together.
Havenkwartier De Blauwe Diamant will be realized at dike level on the Wolderwijd, one of the Veluwerandmeren. To make this district extra attractive for the new residents, the Municipality of Zeewolde wants to construct a harbor and waterways in the form of ditches around the houses, so that a large number of houses will be located on the water.
Because the water level in the Wolderwijd is several meters higher than in the polder to which the new navigational route De Blauwe Diamant connects, the housing site will be raised and the primary flood barrier will be diverted. The waterway will pass through the primary flood defense via a lock chamber with a lock chamber of 34 m, a width of 6.5 m and a fall of 5.20 m. At the other end of the waterway there will be a reversing lock in the future regional dam. Once the new primary barrier with lock complex is completed, the current primary barrier will be downgraded to a secondary barrier that will be slightly lower. In addition, the entire road infrastructure will be realized. Among other things, a road bridge provided and over the floodgate a drawbridge with a bicycle path. The existing through road, which from then on will only be for bicycle traffic, will be replaced with another route around the new residential area.
Installation of temporary overlay asphalt by Strukton Civiel North & East.
As a general contractor Strukton Civil North & East worked closely with a number of partners within the project. "The municipality of Zeewolde issued a tender at the time, which we went through and won together with these partners," explains Sander Schooleman, Manager of Project Management at Strukton. "With this tender, the client requested a sustainable, low-maintenance and future-proof system with an optimal ratio of investment and operating costs based on Total Cost of Ownership. Within the framework of a predetermined set of requirements for durability, dimensions and design (such as old Dutch brickwork at the locks and a red drawbridge), we will provide suitable solutions ourselves."
Construction was started in September 2018 and it is planned to deliver the work by the end of December 2019. Currently, most of the sheet pile walls are in the ground and half of the concrete work of the lock chamber is complete. The work around the floodgate started at the end of February 2019 and the road work will be constructed in the coming period. The goal is to have the waterway navigable by the end of summer this year.
Artist impression lock.
What do other stakeholders think about this project?
Strukton Civil North & East
Realizes the concrete work to which the channel can be connected and the bridge attached, as well as the road construction. Superintendent Edwin Eikelboom: "It is a beautiful project with all the facets of ground, road, water and concrete construction, mechanical and electrical engineering in one. We are constructing the work in dry condition. Soon the dike will be broken open and the water will flow into the channel, very spectacular!"
Hillman Ibis
Realizes the building pits including installation of the steel sheet piles, forebay and basalton finishes. As well as the groundwork for the new primary barrier and the upgrading of the current primary to a secondary barrier. Project leader Ferdi de Vries says: "It is a challenge to complete such a large project from start to finish with so many partners, in such a short period of time. Fortunately, mutual cooperation is excellent."
Machine Factory Rusthoven
Is responsible for the design, production, installation and commissioning of the movable steel bridges, wooden lock gates, moving parts and additional components such as railings. Project leader Leo van der Bij: "Especially making the traffic bridge over the lock is specialist work because of the architectural design and the uneven bridge sections. Furthermore, it is a unique project that requires everyone's inventiveness."
Van Heteren Road and Hydraulic Engineering
Realizes the waterway consisting of waiting areas, mooring facilities, quays and associated other facilities. Project manager Remco Kerkhof: "An ambitious project! A special feature is that the new waterway will be built inside the dike but will eventually be outside the dike."
Strukton Systems department Bridges & Locks
Is in charge of design, preparation, implementation and commissioning of the electrical control installation of the two locks and bridges. Project Manager Addie van der Bult: "What is special is that the design comes 'from our own sleeve'! In addition, it is important to keep all the different parties and disciplines involved from the beginning on their toes."
