A15 Maasvlakte–Vaanplein

The large-scale concession project on the A15 involves the design, construction, financing and operation of a 37-kilometre stretch between the Port of Rotterdam (Maasvlakte) and the Vaanplein junction. One of the most impressive elements of this project is the construction of the new Botlek Bridge, a masterpiece of civil engineering.

The new Botlek Bridge, a massive steel bascule bridge spanning the Oude Maas, forms the very heart of the project. With two separate superstructures, each 90 metres wide, and a clearance height of 14 metres when closed, this bridge is one of the largest movable bridges in the world. When open, the bridge is raised to a height of 45 metres.
The piers reach a height of 65 metres, whilst no less than 4,850 tonnes are lifted on each side.

The bridge accommodates four lanes of road traffic, two hard shoulders and a double track for rail traffic. Not only is its scale impressive, but so is its frequency of use: the bridge opens approximately every hour—around 9,000 times a year. The full opening or closing cycle takes just 120 seconds and involves a lifting height of 31 metres.

The project is being carried out by the A-Lanes A15 consortium, comprising STRABAG, Ballast Nedam, Strukton and John Laing. The widening of the A15 to dual carriageways on both sides of the motorway and the replacement of the old Botlek Bridge will significantly improve traffic flow in the area. This is crucial for the growing Port of Rotterdam and the surrounding industrial area.

Under the DBFM (Design, Build, Finance, Maintain) agreement, the consortium will also be responsible for the management and maintenance of the A15 for a period of 25 years. This includes all technical systems, bridges, viaducts and tunnels along the route.

• Construction and design of the new Botlek Bridge
• 17,000 m³ of underwater concrete per foundation
• 200 tonnes of reinforcing steel
• 2,000 m² of underwater steel formwork
• Seven days of continuous concrete pouring
• 24/7 renovation of the Botle Tunnel, the Thomassen Tunnel and 36 other engineering structures
• Construction of 12 new junction structures along the A15
• Installation of a comprehensive traffic management system covering 37 km
• Motorway maintenance up to 2035

The modernisation of the A15 also includes:

• Soundproof walls
• Traffic management and control systems
• Safety barriers
• New signage
• Electromechanical installations

Bridges and flyovers:

• Two steel bridge decks, each weighing 3,750 tonnes (final mass 5,000 tonnes per section)
• A total of 69 bridges and viaducts, covering approximately 507,000 m²
• Construction area: approximately 216,000 m²
• Renovations: approximately 291,000 m²
• Access bridges: approximately 7,200 metres in length