After many years of intensive use, the Zandkreek and Hansweert lock complexes are due for a thorough renovation. Rijkswaterstaat has definitively awarded the contract for this to the construction consortium Samen in Zee, consisting of Croonwolter&dros, Mobilis and Hollandia Services. The project Renovation lock complexes Zandkreek and Hansweert is the first project with a 2-phase approach combined with a contractual portfolio approach.
Important connections
The Zandkreek lock is the connection between Lake Veere and the Oosterschelde and dates back to the 1960s. In addition to the lock complex, the entire lock complex consists of two movable bridges in the N256. The object is well over half of its 100-year lifespan. The Hansweert lock complex was commissioned in 1987 and has served continuously for nearly 40 years as an important link for commercial shipping on the Antwerp-Rotterdam corridor.
For both complexes, several components are in need of revision, renovation or replacement. The work includes new systems for operation, control and monitoring, replacement of lock drives, modifications from the machine directive and renovation of various mechanical and civil constructions.
2-phase and portfolio approach
A 2-phase and portfolio approach has been adopted for the renovation of both lock complexes. The first renovation to be started is that of Sand Creek. By using the contractual portfolio approach, the combination Samen in Zee (Together at Sea) can, if this renovation goes well, also take on the renovation of the Hansweert lock complex. In the 2-phase approach, Rijkswaterstaat and the Samen in Zee consortium will jointly prepare the design in the first phase, eliminating uncertainties as much as possible. Based on the design, the final price will be agreed. In the second phase, the project is actually executed. This approach will be applied to each of the projects.
The 2-phase and portfolio approach fits within the transition program ‘Towards a vital infrastructure sector’, with which Rijkswaterstaat and market parties are committed to an infrastructure sector that is sustainable and innovative, financially healthy and in which risks are well managed.
Patricia Zorko, deputy director general of Rijkswaterstaat: ‘For the first time, we are combining the two-phase approach and the portfolio approach in the renovation of locks. This is an important step and is only possible because of the intensive involvement and expertise of Together at Sea and Rijkswaterstaat. It is a telling example of how we are jointly shaping the important transition in our sector’.
Cooperation
Because intensive cooperation between the teams of Rijkswaterstaat and Samen in Zee will take place throughout the project, a lot of attention was paid to cooperation during the tender process. The plan of approach design phase and financial control were also criteria in the award process. The contract for the renovation of Zandkreek lock complex was awarded with a preliminary price of €22.7 million including VAT.
Aris van Erkel, 1st Chairman VOF SiZ: ‘We are delighted that Rijkswaterstaat has chosen a portfolio approach. As a combination we are proud that this pilot was awarded to us and we will do everything possible to make this pilot a success as a benchmark for subsequent projects with portfolio approach. We will bring our extensive experience with 2-phase projects to this project in order to create, together with Rijkswaterstaat, a balanced design and realization plan for this renovation. Cooperation is the key factor for success.
Major maintenance of roads and waterways
The renovation of the Zandkreek and Hansweert lock complexes is part of Rijkswaterstaat’s maintenance task. Many bridges, locks, roads and waterworks date from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Traffic on the roads and waterways has increased tremendously since then and has also become heavier and larger. Because objects are outdated, the likelihood of failures increases. That is why they are now being overhauled, reinforced, renewed or replaced. Rijkswaterstaat is using smart and sustainable techniques wherever possible to carry out this task. Rijkswaterstaat is therefore working on the infrastructure for future generations so that we can continue to travel smoothly and safely from A to B in the future.