The Van Kinsbergen Bridge in Den Helder connects the N250 with the Nieuwe Diep and the Marinehaven and also serves as a shortcut to the TESO Veerhaven. This steel drawbridge with concrete approach ramps and a wooden deck was due for major maintenance. The Port of Den Helder commissioned Iv to prepare this project. Iv conducted inspections to assess the condition of the Van Kinsbergen Bridge and to determine the scope of the renovation. Iv also drew up the draft specification and supervised the tendering process. Iv provided management and supervision during the implementation.
Following the inspection, it became clear that further investigation was required to determine the renovation’s scope, and the information needed for the draft specification. Extensive calculations showed that the prestressed concrete girders were still sufficiently strong and did not need to be replaced. However, the concrete deck rested on steel rocker bearing, which were in poor condition. Jacking up the deck was too risky to renovate these blocks, so it was decided to repair the rocker bearing in situ without lifting the deck.
The wooden bridge deck was also in poor condition and needed to be replaced. The old deck was too thin to accommodate new wooden planks, so a fibre-reinforced plastic deck was chosen. This new deck could be laid on top of the movable deck in a weight-neutral manner. It also complies with current standards and is easy to install. An additional advantage is that the plastic deck forms a liquid-tight plate, which means that much less moisture and de-icing salts come into contact with the steel structure, significantly prolonging the conservation period.
During the renovation, the movable deck was dismantled and transported to a Damen depot in Amsterdam for various repairs and conservation. The bridge was completed in December 2021, and since then, the Van Kinsbergen Bridge in Den Helder has been operating smoothly without any malfunctions. The renovation has significantly improved the bridge’s safety and reliability, while the use of sustainable materials has extended the structure’s service life.
Wouter, managing director Infra and also COO of Iv, would be delighted to discuss this with you! Get in touch via +31 88 943 3200 or send a message.