Underground infra must make way for higher Waal dike

The Waal dike contains a large network of cables and pipes for the utilities of the surrounding buildings. With the strengthening and raising of the dike, the core zone will be relocated. In order to prevent the cables and pipes from being placed under greater cover and under the roads that are to be newly constructed, they will be relocated by Van den Heuvel per cluster prior to the dike work. The project is an uncommon assignment for the family business with over 65 years of experience in underground infrastructure engineering, given the many stakeholders and the environment.

Already during the tender we were approached by combination De Betuwse Waard to think along in the most efficient planning and practical feasibility, begins Ivo van Dieten of Van den Heuvel. "We are in fact ahead of the troops and should not get in each other's way as far as execution is concerned. Moreover, we are quite at home in the Wolferen and Sprok area and are, among other things, house contractors for grid operator Liander (gas and electricity) and water company Vitens. Initially we made an offer to relocate the gas pipes and electricity cables, which were included in the tender. After being awarded, all the other parties also came forward, such as KPN, Ziggo, Vitens, the Overbetuwe municipality (pressurized sewer and data cable) and even the Department of Public Works (Rijkswaterstaat) for moving a number of signal cables."

Hourly schedule

Raising the Waal Dike will move the core zone. "Utility companies don't want their underground infrastructure to be inaccessible later," knows Robert van Welie, project manager at Van den Heuvel. "The only way to prevent that is to move the existing cables and pipes about 20 meters. Of course, this will be done in phases to limit the inconvenience to local residents. Just before the combination starts work, we get to work. Given the many stakeholders, this is quite a challenge. Because most of the plots involved are private property, this requires optimum coordination and planning almost to the hour. Clear agreements are made with residents beforehand, but there is also contact during implementation and after completion in order to round everything off neatly. In July 2021, we started implementation, which will continue in phases until 2024."

Turnkey

The relocation of the cables and pipelines will be completely "turnkey" by Van den Heuvel. "As a contract contractor for Liander and Vitens, we are well known in this area and also familiar with their processes, and the applicable laws and regulations," says Van Dieten. "That just works very pleasant and is also the reason that combination De Betuwse Waard engaged us." He is aware that the family business still has plenty of work to do in the coming years, especially in view of the energy transition. "We are busy in the underground infrastructure to provide all stakeholders with the right cables and pipes. Not to mention what is still to come with hydrogen and other new technologies. We follow all developments closely to be able to anticipate in time."