Wilhelmina Bridge in Leiden: renovation of movable bridge

The Wilhelmina Bridge over the Oude Rijn in Leiden is a historic structure that has been in use since 1918. The bridge was due for a major overhaul following several extensions and adaptations in the 1960s and 1980s. The Province of Zuid-Holland, the bridge manager, commissioned Iv to prepare these renovation works. Iv began its work with an extensive inspection of the entire movable bridge, including the concrete structures, paving, steel structures, the bridge’s drive mechanism and electrical installations. The results of these inspections formed the basis for determining the renovation scope and drawing up the draft specification.

The renovation of the Wilhelmina Bridge required extensive inspections and studies, including an environmental soil investigation, a foundation inspection and an asbestos inventory. The challenge was coordinating and conducting these various studies in a busy inner-city environment. Iv also developed the design and draft specification, including the lifting calculations and a lifting plan, to ensure efficient and safe dismantling and reinstallation of the bridge components.

Iv provided support to the Province of Zuid-Holland during the tendering process and supervised the implementation of the project in collaboration with Hollandia Services. The renovated Wilhelmina Bridge was delivered in September 2022 and has been operating smoothly ever since. Thanks to the careful renovation by Iv, the Wilhelmina Bridge is reliable and safe again and can be used for decades to come without major maintenance.