Commissioned by the Groningen local authority, we partnered with Strukton Civiel to complete the swing bridge over the Boterdiep canal in Bedum. Bedum is known for the Friesland Campina DOMO dairy plant, which, due to its heavy logistics traffic, has quite an impact on the surrounding area. The swing bridge is part of the new access route used by vehicles and freight traffic heading to and from Friesland Campina DOMO. The new route has made the centre of Bedum a safer and more liveable place to be.
30 ton bridge fall
A swing bridge is a type of bridge whereby the unbalanced leaf is opened over a horizontal axis. We produced the moving section, also known as the leaf, at our production facility. The leaf measures 9.2x10.5 metres in size and weighs in at around 30 tonnes. The bridge’s basement area accommodates the hydraulic systems that are used to move the bridge and the control cabinets whose job it is to control the electrical components. A wet-paint preserver was applied to the steel leaf, while the carriageway section has a wear layer. Strukton Civiel provided the substructure for the bridge, and the connecting road work.
Lifting the bridge deck
The local authority began relocating cables and conducting surveys in spring 2023. Contractors then began construction work. The swing bridge was moved to its final destination by hoisting crane, whereupon the bridge was adjusted and configured. The bridge deck was lifted into place in April and the new access road was opened towards the end 2023. This infrastructure solution will make the centre of the village of Bedum a much safer place for residents.
