The power of Brabant at work in the heart of Amsterdam

They are specialists in designing, engineering, building, maintaining and managing infrastructures for water, energy and telecommunications. Van den Heuvel Aannemingsbedrijf is working as a partner of Max Bögl on project The Entrance. Marc Teeuwen, project manager, talks about the operations of the specialist from Heesch.

"It's a challenging project, all the disciplines in the ground are stacked on top of each other," Marc opens the conversation. "You can almost look at it with an archaeological eye: the oldest pipes are water, electricity and sewer lines. Fiber optic, VRI and streetcar control lines were later laid over these, as well as the power supply for the streetcar. The road has shifted before, however, most of the pipes have remained in place."

Making room within a limited space

"All pipelines have to be relocated for the sake of the new ground level layout. This meant that we had to make room within a limited space. We also encountered surprises, such as a telecom company that put only one line on the KLIC notification, but of which we subsequently encountered 10. Or an underground quay wall that suddenly appeared in the work, at the Prins Hendrikkade/Martelaarsgracht." The work itself is also complicated by circumstances: "Just try creating a 4-meter-deep construction pit to replace a 100-cm steel pipe on a relatively small work site, in the middle of the busiest point in the city. Fortunately, we have the expertise for that in-house."

Working safely is priority number one

According to Marc, having to work "with the store open" is a safety challenge. "There are normally about 65,000 passers-by in the place where there is now a huge hole 4 meters deep. Thanks to good consultation and solid knowledge among all partners, we are still working safely for everyone." It's a matter of good planning, Marc believes. "We are constantly making bypasses, laying new pipe sections, having to switch pipes. That requires tight planning." Finally, about the cooperation within Max Bögl & Partners, Marc says: "Good communication, open and transparent, appreciating each other and learning from each other, that characterizes this project. So very pleasant!"