Smart asset management for a safe and high-performing A9

INNOCY plays an important role in the A9 project between Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht. This is because the consultancy and engineering firm is responsible for the management and maintenance of the A9 during the construction phase. In practice, this means ensuring that everything on and around the 'old' A9 can continue.

"The biggest challenge is that we have to maintain a busy stretch of highway, while at the same time construction is going on on the new A9," says Pim Bos, Maintenance Manager at INNOCY. On behalf of the Department of Public Works, VeenIX is widening and deepening the A9. "This highway between Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht is an important traffic route. There is little space for work and everything that is built has to be of high quality so that it lasts a long time. Near Amstelveen, the A9 will even be sunken, which is technically complex." INNOCY has been involved in this project from the beginning. VeenIX asked the consulting and engineering firm to handle the entire asset management: from strategy and planning to execution. "In concrete terms, this means that the performance of the road must remain the same, according to the requirements of the Department of Public Works," Pim explains. "Meanwhile, many parties are working on the construction of the new road. At the strategic level, we pay attention to the ultimate balance of asset performance, risk and cost so that the road is built and managed smartly. We also take care of day-to-day management and maintenance, but also look at the long term. After all, in 2040 everything must still meet the agreed quality."

Clarity about costs and proper maintenance

INNOCY has extensive experience with similar projects, such as the A9 Gaasperdammerweg and the A24 Blankenburg connection. Thanks to this knowledge and the good cooperation with all parties involved, maintenance can be smartly planned. In this way, there is as little disruption to traffic as possible and all components continue to function optimally.

Smart choices for reduced costs and risks

In asset management, it is important to strike the right balance between risk, performance and cost. That is why INNOCY makes smart choices wherever possible and necessary. Daan Jenken, Asset Manager, gives the example of the movable Schiphol Bridge. "Some parts of the bridge need maintenance. Then you have to take that into account already in the design. Those parts have to be accessible without having to close the highway. We pay attention to that and we think along with them." Another example is the choice of roadside lighting. "Do you choose cheap bulbs that you have to replace six times by 2040? Or do you take slightly more expensive lamps that you only have to replace once? All choices, small and large, have impact. Because if you calculate everything through on such a large project as the A9, there can be total cost savings."

After construction, maintenance begins

Once construction of the A9 is complete - which is scheduled for 2027 - the maintenance phase will begin. INNOCY will then remain involved in maintenance for another two years. In 2029, INNOCY will transfer the work to another party, SPC. Jenken: "In 2027, we have a project that is finished, but that we don't really hand over until two years later. Then we show that everything meets the requirements and is of good quality."