Complex renovation of Peulensluis lock in Hardinxveld-Giessendam

For Waterschap Rivierenland, Iv prepared the Design & Construct contract for the complex renovation of the Peulensluis lock in Hardinxveld-Giessendam. Iv also supported the procurement process and oversaw project delivery through systems-based contract management.

Built in 1937, the lock is located beneath the A15 motorway and provides a navigable connection between the Beneden Merwede and the Buiten Giessen rivers. The renovation was required to ensure that the lock complex continues to meet statutory requirements for water safety, availability, reliability, operability and maintainability for the next 30 years.

Although relatively compact, the lock presented a wide range of technical and operational challenges. Almost every system had reached the point where refurbishment or replacement was required, while the lock had to remain compatible with modern safety and operational standards. The scope covered both civil and electromechanical assets, including the timber lock gates, levelling sluices and operating mechanisms, as well as the electrical installations, control systems and supporting infrastructure throughout the site.

The project was further complicated by its location directly beneath the A15 motorway. Limited construction space, a nearby residential area, unrestricted public access and fluctuating water levels caused by commercial shipping traffic on the Beneden Merwede river had to be considered throughout the design and construction process. Iv distinguished itself by translating these risks into clear, functional and integrated contract requirements.

Detailed inspections, multidisciplinary workshops and system analyses provided a complete picture of the lock’s condition and the interaction between its various systems. This enabled the project team to make informed design decisions and minimise risks during implementation.

The new systems and assets were integrated to align with operational management, maintenance and inspection requirements, while also meeting CE marking and machinery safety standards. The result is a future-proof lock that will continue to serve the region for decades, offering improved safety, reliability and ease of operation for both operators and users.