Rijkswaterstaat begins tender for Van Brienenoordbrug renewal

Rijkswaterstaat has launched the third tender process for the renewal of the Van Brienenoordbrug, a major infrastructure icon in Rotterdam. The project involves replacing the current western arch of the bridge with a new one.

To minimize traffic disruption and safety risks in Rotterdam, the new arch will be constructed at a specialized shipyard on Duivelseiland in Dordrecht. This site is being developed as a ‘circular shipyard’ where old bridge components and infrastructure can be stored, processed, and reused. Preparing this site for heavy machinery involves soil remediation and ground improvement, with an estimated investment of 5.6 million euros through 2028.

The construction timeline is phased: the new western arch is expected to be transported by water to Rotterdam in 2030. Between 2028 and 2033, both arch bridges will be replaced. Following the installation of the new western arch, the existing western arch will be moved to the Dordrecht shipyard for renovation, eventually returning in 2032 to replace the current eastern arch.