Bridge over the Zaan

The old “swing bridge” – the Zaan Bridge – dates from the mid-1960s and is at the end of its useful life. Therefore, another new bridge will be built at the same spot, which will have a greater clearance and whose passage will also be widened by 4 meters. This is necessary because the dimensions of barges are constantly increasing. Incidentally, the intensity of road traffic passing the bridge is also increasing noticeably. Currently, it involves about 15,000 car traffic movements per day. The new bridge is expected to require less frequent opening and closing due to its wider dimensions.

Technical masterpiece

The bridge construction Janson Bridging has built here is unique in the world. It is certified as a permanent bridge, but is also CE-approved for temporary applications. Because ultimately, that is what Janson Bridging has made its specialty: providing temporary solutions for large bridging projects around the world. The bridge over the Zaan River is modular. That is, it is adjustable in both width and length. It is also unique in that this swing bridge is operated using energy from hydraulic batteries, an accumulator set that has full energy at its disposal “around the clock. Where normally large pumps are required to operate such a bridge, this bridge can be opened and closed with very low electrical power. In addition to the 30-meter-long bridge section (including swing bridge, bridge operator’s house and barriers), the rest of the structure consists of two approach bridges of 24 and 18 meters, respectively, plus a separate bridge for cyclists and pedestrians. The passage width for navigation is 20 meters. Transportation of all bridge sections was handled by Van Schie’s transportation department, while hoisting was handled by Van Schie Crane Rental. For logistical support on the water, Van Schie used VSP pontoons.