Over the next three decades, Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, will replace or renovate numerous outdated bridges, viaducts, and roads. Instead of discarding the materials, approximately 80% will be reused. To facilitate large-scale recycling, significant bridge components will be temporarily stored and refurbished at a circular yard in the port of Dordrecht from 2026 onwards. This initiative supports the creation of a sustainable and circular infrastructure.

Circular Ambitions by 2030
Rijkswaterstaat is committed to becoming fully circular by 2030, aiming to eliminate waste and maximise the reuse of raw materials. This aligns with its broader goal of developing climate-neutral and sustainable infrastructure. Since steel and concrete dominate bridge and road construction, their reuse could significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Globally, the steel industry contributes 9% and the concrete industry 8% of all CO2 emissions. Recycling these materials offers substantial environmental benefits, helping to lower the carbon footprint of construction projects.

The National Bridge Bank
To achieve this circular ambition, Rijkswaterstaat launched the National Bridge Bank in 2021. This initiative connects the supply and demand for reusable bridge components, making it easier for municipalities and organisations to adopt second-life materials. Many ageing structures built during the 1960s and 1970s will be replaced or renovated, including 13 bridges, 8 tunnels, and 13 roads in the province of South Holland alone. Not all projects proceed simultaneously, so a dedicated storage and refurbishment site is essential. A circular yard in Dordrecht has been selected to temporarily house and restore these components before they are repurposed for other projects.

Reusing Steel Bridge Components
An example of this circularity is the reuse of steel components from the Keizersveerbrug on the A27 motorway. When this bridge is replaced in 2028, its steel sections will be stored at the Dordrecht yard for future use, including the renovation of the Spijkenisserbrug after 2030. Similar efforts are underway for concrete beams from viaducts, such as those on the A9 near Groningen. This strategy exemplifies how bridge components can be reused efficiently, reducing the need for new raw materials and conserving resources.

Concrete Recycling Innovations
Concrete is also a focus of Rijkswaterstaat’s circular approach. Concrete beams from viaducts on the A9 between Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht will be repurposed for reconstructing the Kaagbrug on the A44 motorway. Additionally, 40,000 tonnes of concrete rubble from two demolished viaducts on the A9 will be processed by Renewi, a recycling company. Renewi’s advanced techniques produce certified concrete aggregates and sand, enabling these materials to be used in new concrete, rather than in road foundations or filler materials. These innovations align with the National Concrete Agreement, which aims for 100% circular application of concrete by 2030.

Minimising Noise Pollution
The circular yard in Dordrecht will operate along the Oude Maas River. The heavily polluted soil on-site will be sealed with a hard surface, creating a work environment for refurbishing bridge components. Activities such as grit blasting, welding, and sawing will be conducted in soundproof tents to minimise noise pollution for local residents. Additional noise reduction measures, including specialised grit blasting caps, will ensure the operations are as community-friendly as possible. The reconfiguration of the site will begin this year, with operations scheduled to start by late 2026.

Sustainable Innovation for Designers
This pioneering approach by Rijkswaterstaat showcases how infrastructure projects can embrace circularity at scale. The reuse of steel and concrete not only supports environmental goals but also inspires material-driven innovation for designers, architects, and engineers. By fostering collaboration between public authorities and recycling specialists, the Netherlands leads the way in sustainable design for infrastructure.

Source: Change Inc
Image: Rijkswaterstaat