Maintain functionality and performance A27

On January 12, 2023, Rijkswaterstaat and construction combination ALSÉÉN signed the contract for the widening of the southern section of the A27 between Everdingen and Hooipolder. Since October 2023, the construction consortium has been in control of the area and Ballast Nedam Road Specialties is actively involved in the execution. "In the beginning, we were mainly concerned with putting the area in order," says Joep Hartjes, director at Ballast Nedam. "Now we are concerned with calamity handling, (green) maintenance and new works."  

From milling to finesse: an improved A27

Over the past year and a half, intensive work has been done to improve the road surface on the A27 section between Everdingen and Hooipolder. "During several weekend closures in 2024 and 2025, we processed a total of some 55,000 tons of asphalt so that the road surface once again met the required quality standards," Hartjes explains. "Old asphalt layers have been milled and replaced with new asphalt. Road markings were renewed, guide rails were repaired or replaced. Regular green maintenance was combined with this work. All carried out in-house from Leerdam." 

Merwede bridge, a considerable challenge 

Ballast Nedam also replaced the road surface on the Merwede Bridge. "Replacing the asphalt on the Merwede Bridge was without a doubt one of the most technical jobs we have encountered," Hartjes says. "That bridge is made of steel and moves. That's exactly what standard asphalt can't handle well." 

Together with the Department of Public Works, Hartjes says, we intensively searched for a solution that could work. "Together we came up with a sustainable and smart structure: first roofing leather, then poured asphalt, another layer of roofing leather, and on top of that an asphalt coating. Not a standard approach, but one that can withstand the movements of the bridge." Hartjes explains that poured asphalt is a trade in its own right. "There are still only three parties in the Netherlands that can do this, and we are one of them. We have the knowledge, the people and the experience to do this kind of work ourselves."

The implementation happened over two weekend closures. "When you know what's involved, you realize how special it is that we did this. This is not a standard job. This is craftsmanship at its best."

From calamities to cow paths

"We also arrange emergency handling on the A27," Hartjes continued. "That means we have to be able to move quickly as soon as something happens. In the event of a traffic accident, we are on the road in no time. If there is damage to the asphalt or the guardrail, we pick it up immediately. Often the same day." 

"Meanwhile, we are also busy constructing temporary and permanent works. We have constructed construction roads, created bicycle paths and a cow path at Scheiwijk gas station. The cow path is part of the preparations made for the new Groote Haar junction. The largest subproject we are currently working on. Groote Haar is a new business park in Gorinchem for which a new connection to the A27 is being realized. For this, we have already transported over 355,000 m3 of sand." 

Safety first

For Hartjes, the safety of his employees is paramount. "We do our best to ensure a safe working environment at all times. During the weekend closures, we cordoned off long stretches of road. This brought the necessary challenges. Especially to keep the speed in the work area low. We made an extra effort here. Physical measures but also extra information. Safety comes first. It is in our DNA to take good care of our people. Our people must be able to do their work with confidence. That's why we don't take any risks when it comes to their safety. When you then receive compliments from the subcontractors that things are well taken care of, I can't help but be proud of my team."