Before demolishing the bridge piers, the contractor first had to remove the necessary silt from the soil. In the process, they also came across remnants of munitions from World War II. This was not surprising since there was heavy fighting against the Germans. What was surprising was that during transport to the soil bank in Mijdrecht, a landmine had come along. The explosives disposal service (EOD) detonated this projectile on the Van Schie site. A large part of the surrounding industrial area had to be closed off for it.
Projects
Floating swing bridge
The Old Hague Bridge in the Ringvaart canal near Badhoevedorp was in need of replacement. The concrete bridge, which served mainly as a bus lane and bicycle connection, had to be completely demolished. A temporary solution was needed for cyclists. Buses could detour. For Van Schie this was a unique opportunity to use its very latest pontoon bridge, also because it is equipped with a detachable middle section. The latter was a requirement here because a lot of pleasure boats have to pass through during the season.
Unique pontoon bridge
Van Schie has developed a unique product, based on the VSP770 pontoon. The concept consists of a modular system, where the pontoons can be linked together both lengthwise and breadthwise to form a floating platform (for example, for infrastructure works) or a stable pontoon bridge, as here at Badhoevedorp. Stately, this floating bridge lies across the thirty-eight-meter-wide water. When the middle section is fully opened, a fourteen-meter passage is created at this location. The operation of the rotating part is also unique. It is completely electric, so there are no emissions. The system can be connected both to shore power and to a battery pack. Propulsion is provided by a thruster, a hollow tube containing a propeller. The bridge was developed by Van Schie himself. It is fully certified and meets all safety requirements. It is basically a bicycle and pedestrian bridge, but can also be used at other locations by service vehicles, such as police or ambulance services. This is a modular system, with everything based on standard dimensions. This also applies to all accessories and fittings, such as guardrails and ramps. The bridge can be installed within a day, fully customized and “plug and play.
Special spud poles
The eight spud poles that hold this pontoon bridge immovably in place are of an unusual design. The piles are open at the bottom and closed at the top, except for a small opening. By vacuuming the tube, it is sucked – with a minimum of force – much further into the bottom than a conventional spud pole is pushed in. The big advantage is that this system does not require heavy machinery.
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Call us at 0297 – 237537 or email us at info@vanschie.com.