Renovation of a monumental bridge over the Inundation Canal in Nieuwegein

The bridge over the Inundation Canal in Nieuwegein, a national monument dating from 1871 and part of the Dutch Waterline, was in poor condition and in need of major maintenance. Due to the bridge’s poor condition, a weight limit was in place, severely limiting its functionality. The municipality of Nieuwegein commissioned Iv to conduct the preparation work for the renovation. Iv carried out a thorough inspection of the bridge and, in close consultation with Monumentenzorg, drew up a renovation design that respected both the historical value and the functional requirements of the bridge.

One of the biggest challenges in renovating this monumental bridge was to preserve the historic elements while making it fully functional for all traffic. The (non-original) main load-bearing steel structure could not be renovated and had to be replaced entirely. At the same time, the original masonry substructure was in poor condition but could still be restored. Iv designed a new concrete beam to reinforce the substructure, which was then covered with carefully restored masonry and natural stone. This required the use of specialist restoration techniques and the reuse of as many original materials as possible.

After the renovation, which was carried out according to Iv’s design, the bridge over the Inundation Canal is once again fully equipped to accommodate all traffic without compromising the historical value of the national monument. The new railing, designed in consultation with Monumentenzorg, is also in keeping with the original design of the waterline and contributes to the bridge’s historic character. Thanks to the carefully designed renovation plan, this monumental bridge has been functionally restored and preserved to its historical splendour and can continue to serve as an essential link near the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal for many years to come.