Today, the official signatures were placed under the renovation contract for the movable section of the Papendrecht Bridge (N3). This part of the bridge requires renewal to ensure that it remains safe and available for both road and waterway traffic in the future. The contract was recently awarded by Rijkswaterstaat to the consortium Mobilis and Croonwolter&dros (CMCP). Hollandia Infra and Machinefabriek Rusthoven will deliver the new steel bascule deck, including the operating mechanisms. The works will begin in 2026 and include both the design and execution of the renovation.
Project scope
The Papendrecht Bridge lies on the N3 over the Beneden-Merwede. The bridge connects Dordrecht with Papendrecht and links the A16 with the A15. Approximately one kilometre in length, the bridge was opened in 1967 and consists of a fixed section with a 30-metre movable bascule span and a bascule pit. During the renovation, CMCP will replace the bridge span, the drive and operating systems, and all technical installations. An additional technical space will be mounted onto the bascule pit to house all necessary equipment for the operation, control and monitoring of the bridge. Within the pit, concrete works will be renewed, while outside the pit the piers supporting the bridge deck will be reinforced. The control house currently located on the bridge will be removed as part of the works.
Collaboration
Today’s official signing also marks the start of the project. During an informal gathering, partners were introduced to one another and discussed objectives, expectations and priorities for Rijkswaterstaat and CMCP. In addition, initial steps were taken to set out agreements regarding cooperation.
The Mobilis and Croonwolter&dros Papendrecht Bridge consortium (CMCP) will work with many of the same partners as in the renovation of the Haringvliet Bridge. A partnership has been established with Hollandia Infra and Machinefabriek Rusthoven for the steel bascule deck and operating mechanisms.
Renovation to start in 2026
The renovation of the Papendrecht Bridge will begin in 2026 and is expected to last more than a year. During the works, there will be closures for both road and waterway traffic. The detailed schedule is currently being developed. Together with stakeholders, local authorities, Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar and the contractor consortium, Rijkswaterstaat is working on measures to minimise disruption to traffic and shipping during the renovation.
