100% circular vehicle barrier

Sustainability is paramount for the Buren-based company, resulting in a 100% circular vehicle barrier on the N69, among other roads.

"Since our founding in 2005, we have grown to become a notable specialist in the market of vehicle barriers (guide rail as guardrail), collision protection (building protection) and street furniture," begins Ad van Straten, director of Van Straten Guide Rail. "Our team consists of 20 colleagues and together we have over 300 years of knowledge and experience in the field of vehicle guardrail with related regulations, design and implementation criteria. From large-scale integral maintenance contracts and DC(BFM) contracts to small-scale private projects and RAW specifications. We hold the ISO 9001:2015, VCA 2008/5.1 and BRL-9161 certificate for the supply and installation of guide rail and collision protection." 

Long lifespan

Van Straten Geleiderail has already started on the existing N69 from Valkenswaard towards Lommel and vice versa (up to the Belgian border) at the end of October 2019. Van Straten: "Where obstacles (mainly trees) were too close along the N69, they have been protected with wooden guide rail so that road users can use this new N69 safely. On the new route we opted for a wooden guide rail on a steel construction. It concerns FSC-certified pinewood, which we impregnate with Wolmanit/Korasit. This will extend the life of the wood to 20 years. Untreated pine wood has a durability class 5, but by impregnating it we improve this to class 3 (according to EN 335-1). At the end of its service life, the wood is 100% reusable in the wood processing industry and can be used as playground equipment, fences, benches, etc. The same applies to the Corten steel from which we make the steel structure. We consciously choose Corten steel because of its eight times longer lifespan than regular steel. We add chrome and copper to the Corten steel to create a dense oxide skin. The oxide protects the underlying steel from deterioration, so no additional paint or coating is needed. An additional advantage is that when the wood of the guide rail reaches the end of its service life (after 20 years), the steel frame does not need to be replaced."

Sustainability is paramount at Van Straten Guide Rail. "We work exclusively with 100% Euro 6 or equivalent Stage V engines, power tools and HVO100 fuel. In addition, we ensure minimal leaching of materials, are committed to 100% circularity and a long service life. With our expertise and dedication, we are sure to bring the N69 to a successful conclusion," Van Straten concludes.