Leader in (architectural) bridge construction

Special metal constructions since 1957. That is the pay-off of Bersselaar Constructie. In the workshop in Udenhout the most trend-setting creations 'come into being', such as recently the architectural Slow Traffic Bridge Amstelkwartier. But also when upgrading and renovating artworks, the added value of many decades of knowledge and experience and the pragmatic approach of the family business comes into its own. For example, Bersselaar Constructie is making an important contribution to obtaining CE marking on the nearly fifty-year-old Spijkenisse Bridge.

In the past six decades, Bersselaar Constructie has realized a wide range of projects for a large number of clients in the (food) industry, utility construction, infrastructure, water treatment and offshore/energy. "Our hand-ons mentality is appreciated," notes Koen van Balkom, project manager at Bersselaar Constructie. "We have everything in-house, from engineering and work preparation to production and assembly. This enables us to often make a design just that little bit smarter, easier and more economical. A great example of this is the Slow Traffic Bridge Amstelkwartier after a design by ipv Delft."

Within budget

Bersselaar Constructie is a familiar face in the Amsterdam region. "For example, at an earlier stage we realized a scaffolding structure for the Kademakers Cooperation Agreement in the Amstel Quarter," says Van Balkom. "At some point they were also looking for a partner who could build the slow-traffic bridge. Based on the first brief sketches, we made an estimate. And that appealed to all parties. Despite the architectural approach, we eventually managed to stay within budget through clever engineering. Thinking along in optimizations and solutions, that is really our strength. We have proven that many times in the past."

V-shaped pillars

Slow-traffic bridge Amstelkwartier is a steel bridge with two supports in the water, designed as V-shaped piers that flow smoothly into the bridge deck. "We built the bridge in our workshop from three parts. In contrast, the seams are no longer visible in the work and are camouflaged in the plating," Van Balkom explains. "The bridge has a unique steel railing on both sides in a different design. Furthermore, the bridge connects in plan to a circular quay wall. That made it quite complex in the detailing, about which we also had the necessary coordination with ipv Delft: what is feasible and what is feasible." 

Ministudy

Bersselaar Constructie completely pre-assembled and assembled the bridge in the workshop to make sure everything fitted. All in all, a substantial work of art, 48 meters long, 6.5 meters wide and weighing 100 tons. "On the front end, we therefore carried out a mini-study to see how we could get the bridge on site," Van Balkom says. "In the end, we chose to transport the bridge in three parts, including preservation and wear layer, by axle to Amsterdam. Using a lifting jack, the bridge sections were then placed in position in January 2025. The official opening is still some time away, as the site around it is currently being constructed."

CE mark

Bersselaar Constructie's knowledge and expertise also comes in handy for the Spijkenisse Bridge. "Here it's not about the tonnages, but mainly our input in engineering, practical thinking and achieving optimizations in which we make the difference for combination Heijmans Infra and Yunex Traffic," says Van Balkom. "The bridge is being renovated in such a way that a CE mark can be issued on it. This is quite an operation when you consider that the bridge was built in the 1970s. There is very little documentation available and the bridge will remain in use throughout the transition. In short, an assignment that is right up our alley and in which we are taking an active role in the engineering."

Bersselaar Constructie is constructing, producing and assembling a large number of stairs (towers), cage ladders, handrails for the Spijkenisse Bridge. "The unique aspect of this project is that we have to measure everything on site with a tape measure. That, combined with a 3D scan of the existing situation, helps us fit everything together with millimeter accuracy. We are currently working on the east lift, with the west lift to follow in the fall. Efforts that will eventually lead to the famous CE mark."