The Cruciale Mijl project aims to deliver future-proof accessibility in the IJburg and Zeeburgereiland districts and the eastern area of the city centre. Amsterdam will continue to grow rapidly in the coming years. The number of homes in the Zeeburgereiland and IJburg districts is expected to increase from around 12,000 today to 22,400 in 2043. Approximately 350,000 square metres of facilities, schools, shops, offices and commercial space will also be developed. To make this growth possible, extensive infrastructural improvements will be required.

The project focuses on the route from the Piet Hein Tunnel up to and including the Steigereiland district. The plans include a new passageway under the Piet Hein Tunnel, a bridge for cyclists and pedestrians, a new Zeeburgerplein – a public square for the Zeeburgereiland district – re-routing of the tram line through the area (IJtram), modifications to the links with the A10 orbital motorway, changes to the layout of the IJburglaan road and extensive works on cables and piping.

During the various project phases, Arcadis and Witteveen+Bos will provide consultancy and engineering services in relation to design, systems engineering, studies, engagement and stakeholder management, cost estimates, contract preparation and works supervision. The contract term follows the current project timetable, which continues until after 2036.

‘The Cruciale Mijl project brings together all the aspects of modern urban development: accessibility, liveability, housebuilding and sustainable mobility’, explains Alwin van Meeteren, director Mobility Europe at Arcadis. ‘It is not just about improving a traffic corridor – it is also about creating space for the future development of an important part of Amsterdam.’

‘The Cruciale Mijl shows what the engineering profession will be all about in the coming years: finding feasible and affordable solutions to adapt our existing infrastructure to today’s needs, in a complex urban environment with all the challenges that brings’, says Leonie Koops, director Infrastructure and Mobility at Witteveen+Bos. ‘It is a privilege to be able to make a valuable contribution to a sustainable and healthy living environment for the people of Amsterdam in this way.’