Cruquiusbrug – complex projects also have the capacity to be circular
The two sections of the Cruquius Bridge were ready for a facelift. The province of North Holland focused on three pillars: circularity, energy neutrality and low maintenance.
Project implementation
- Client: Province of North Holland
- Project: replacement and maintenance of moving traffic bridge
- Tendering: competitive dialogue
- Award: January 2021
Cruquiusbrug is an important link between Hoofddorp and Heemstede. The bridge had become somewhat outdated. Of the two sections of the bridge, only one needed to be replaced, while the other needed major maintenance work.
It was not just any old project – the combination of heavy traffic pressure, technical complexity and the nearby historical Cruquius pumping station made it a considerable challenge.
Plus, the province of North Holland was also asking the market to fulfil its sustainable ambitions. As an example, the province wanted as little maintenance for as long a period of time as possible.
The province organised a competitive dialogue for the Cruquiusbrug. And with success, producing a combination of enthusiastic market parties. Together, they worked as part of a construction team on both design and execution of the project.
Impact of the project
- Potential ECI reduction of 64 per cent compared to a reference design
- Maintenance costs reduced from 5.7 to 3.1 million Euros
These three factors made this project a success
- Internal support for ambitions
The Province realised this support by organising sessions with stakeholders in the organisation. Board and management involvement also contributed to support. - Intensive dialogue with market parties
Scheduling both individual and plenary sessions gave market parties the opportunity to question and discuss the ambitions. The talks also provided ample room in which to discuss ways to realise those ambitions. - Award based on quality
The Province opted to award the contract based entirely on quality. A significant step, but one that really gave market parties space in which to differentiate themselves. The Province set a task budget for design and realisation.
Tips for a similar project
- Take the time to determine your ambitions.
It is a good idea to set your ambitions early on. What do you want to put out to tender and what not? For each topic – think ‘circular’ or ‘energy’ – make clear what your aims are. This will give market parties a clear direction.
- Be open and flexible.
Ask market parties to indicate those requirements that could impede ambitions. In so doing, be open and flexible, but clear on what cannot be done. That way, you create support in addition to clarity. After all, you have to work together!
- Opt for focus in the assessment.
The Province chose to award entirely based on quality, precisely because of the high ambitions and technical complexity. If you choose to do this, it is important to bring focus to your quality criteria. This helps you to assess tender submissions objectively.
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