Together Stronger Proud

Complexity of the project requires the utmost

BAM, Van Oord, Rebel and Invesis are working together on the reinforcement and renewal of the Afsluitdijk on behalf of Rijkswaterstaat. They are doing this under the name Bouwconsortium Levvel. The complexity of this project often demands the utmost from both the project organization and the construction consortium. Not for nothing is the slogan: Together Stronger Proud. How this is expressed in practice, explains Wilbert Boon, project director at Levvel.

"Even under difficult circumstances, the challenge is to reach agreement," Boon said. And challenges there were and still are. "We certainly had some tense moments. Nevertheless, and this is certainly positive, we came to a joint solution. Throughout the project, there are several benchmarks. For example, we are currently working toward obtaining the availability certificate. This must be handed over by December 31, 2022. The work on the dike, the A7 and the floodgate at Den Oever must then be completed, including the necessary documentation. To this end, we have both weekly and monthly consultations in various settings. How is it going, what obstacles are there and how can we solve them?" The next important moment in the cooperation is the completion of the Vismigration River and the floodgate at Kornwerderzand (late 2023). And by the end of 2025, the new sluice gates must be ready. 

Respect for each other

The basis of the project and also the basis of cooperation is Together Stronger Proud. This slogan stands for: Pleasantly helping each other to realize the paragon of innovative hydraulic engineering safely and predictably, with respect for everyone's interests. Boon: "The Afsluitdijk is the pinnacle for every road and hydraulic engineer. It is an iconic structure that we can all be proud of, especially now that we are preparing it for the future. The 'together' stands for the pursuit of good cooperation. Something we keep in mind, especially in difficult times."

Great attention to safety and quality

Three aspects are central to the reinforcement and renewal of the Afsluitdijk: Sustainability, Safety and Quality. The Quality aspect is reflected, among other things, in the 'best for project principle'; for each component or working method, consideration is given to whether it is the best solution in accordance with Levvel's requirements and wishes. There is a high quality standard for all the work that has been realized and for the work that is yet to take place. "Looking at the Safety component, I can say that this has continuously our great attention," Boon said. "The work on the Afsluitdijk takes place right next to, under or on the A7. We also have to deal with through shipping traffic. This requires the necessary precautions, both for the safety of the people who have to work along the A7 and the safety of the through traffic. For this we have the 'Say YES to safety program' in which the focus is on safety behavior. Every month we monitor the state of affairs and propose solutions for things that can be improved."

Eye for the environment

Sustainability is reflected in many different areas. From involving local contractors as much as possible to the Fish Migration Pier. "The Afsluitdijk is a wonderful example of how to future-proof a structure of this size in a sustainable way. For example, we developed the Levvel blocks, innovative concrete blocks that allow us to reduce CO₂-emissions. For this we have built locally, in Harlingen, a special temporary factory where these blocs are manufactured. In addition, much attention is paid to the special flora and fauna. The Levvel blocks have a rough top layer so that the existing salt-loving vegetation can return to the dike. Furthermore, every kilometer there is a resting place for birds of prey. But also during the work we take the environment into account, think of limiting noise and light levels." Cherry on the cake, as far as Boon is concerned, is the Vismigration River. "It is the first time in the world that an artificial tidal river is being constructed on the border of fresh and salt water. What is special is that the IJsselmeer will be preserved as a source of drinking water. A tour de force when it comes to sustainability and nature gain."

Learning points

Given the multi-year collaboration, there are certainly learning points. Boon: "An important learning point is that with a project like this, you take your time to discuss all the preconditions and specifications in detail in order to be assured that the basis is really good. A second learning experience is that you should never underestimate the work. In execution it is always more complicated than you can imagine on paper. And finally, it is very important that contractors should always keep on building, even when things are temporarily bad."