The Netherlands has more than 150 movable bridges managed by Rijkswaterstaat. Many of these bridges are approaching the end of their technical service life. The Movable Bridges programme is the first programme to be implemented in series and based on a portfolio approach, in which fifteen bridges spread across Zeeland and the northern Netherlands will now be tackled in three batches with one framework agreement for consultancy services (ABB) and three for implementation (contractors).

Rijkswaterstaat's ambition is clear: increased productivity, standardisation and cooperation. By entering into long-term contracts with fixed partners, RWS aims to make optimal use of the market, pool knowledge and make predictable investments in the infrastructure of tomorrow. This framework agreement has a term of 10 years.

The ROK ABB focuses on the entire preparation of the renovation: from research and design to drawing up contracts and supervising implementation. The selected consultancy organisation is responsible for completing the planning phase for each bridge, developing preferred options and drawing up high-quality contract specifications.

The first bridge to be tackled under this agreement is the bridge at Uitwellingerga. The ambition is to start planning this summer so that implementation can follow quickly.

The Brug Kracht combination, formed by Antea Group and Witteveen+Bos, has been selected as a partner for the ROK ABB. Both agencies have many years of experience in the field of infrastructure and movable bridges. In close collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat, they will contribute to a future-proof approach to movable bridges in the Netherlands. The consortium emerged as the winner of the tender. ‘The consortium has demonstrated that it understands both the urgency and the working method of the programme. We are confident that we will be able to successfully complete the task together in the coming years,’ said programme manager Ilkel Taner of Rijkswaterstaat.