New railway bridge Vleutensespoorbrug 2 on the UtARK line

The construction of the new Vleutensespoorbrug railway bridge is an essential part of doubling the track from two to four tracks over a section of approximately 4 km on the Utrecht-Amsterdam Rijnkanaal (UtARK). The expansion is necessary to improve the capacity and efficiency of rail traffic between Utrecht and Amsterdam. ProRail has awarded the contract to the BAM, HSM and UtARK consortium. This consortium commissioned Iv to design the entire railway bridge, including the concrete deck. Based on a design plan and contract requirements, a global design was prepared within a short time during the tendering phase. Once the contract was awarded, Iv developed the railway bridge into a detailed design with a steel weight of around 3350 tonnes in just eight months.

The new railway bridge needed to have the same span and line system of arches as the adjacent Hogeweidebrug, the prominent yellow road traffic bridge. This meant a free span of 168 metres, with sufficient clearance for shipping to pass underneath. The main load-bearing structure is an arch bridge with the deck acting as a tension band with vertical hangers. Fatigue and stiffness were key criteria, so the entire steel structure is made of S355 steel. The bridge deck of the new railway bridge consists of a 370 mm concrete deck combined with a ballast bed for minimal noise. The complex technical requirements, including dynamic and static loading, presented a major challenge. The construction method and the accuracy of the track alignment demanded careful consideration.

The new Vleutensespoorbrug railway bridge improves the capacity and efficiency of rail traffic between Utrecht and Amsterdam. The bridge has passing lines on both sides, with the northern line almost running directly alongside the existing railway bridge. Due to the robust structure and the use of a concrete deck in combination with a ballast bed, the noise produced is minimised, ensuring a quieter and more comfortable travel experience. The structure width of 1.1 metres for both the arch and the main girder section ensures a slender and efficient structure. Thanks to the careful design and implementation, this bridge significantly contributes to improving the region’s rail infrastructure.