Construction of new N57
Description
The construction of the new N57 between Veersedam and Middelburg is among the most extensive road projects in the Netherlands. The old N57 crosses the towns of Sint Laurens and Middelburg with long delays and inconvenience, and is one of the five most unsafe national roads outside built-up areas. Slow and fast traffic travel on the same road, leading to traffic jams and dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. On an eight-kilometre stretch, there is one traffic death and 12 serious injuries every year.
Design N57
To improve liveability, safety and traffic flow:
- there are separate road sections for slow and fast traffic;
- the changes have been fitted into the Walcheren landscape;
- traffic bypasses Middelburg and Sint Laurens;
- there are new viaducts, tunnels, bridges, roundabouts, slip roads and an aqueduct.
Aqueduct
An important part of the new N57 is the Dampoort aqueduct in the Canal through Walcheren. This aqueduct will eliminate the need for future traffic to cross the bridge and railway in Middelburg, greatly improving traffic flow and safety. But the regular construction method of an aqueduct - building the tunnel element in Barendrecht and towing it to the relevant location - did not work in this case. The locks at Vlissingen are too narrow to drag the structure through. Therefore, the contractor built the tunnel element on site: in the southern approach ramp of the aqueduct.
Sinking
At the end of January, the tunnel element was pulled to the canal bed using cables (sinking). Unusual, as ballast tanks are usually used to nullify the element's floating ability. The advantage is that pulling it down takes six weeks less time. After the tunnel was in place, the space under the bottom of the tunnel was filled with sand. Ballast concrete holds the tunnel in place
The programme has a modified schedule.
The programme:
from 13.30 to 14.00 - reception
from 14.00 to 15.30 - presentation Project N57 by Erwin Pechtold (RWS) and Jan Postmus (Project organisation KUNST)
from 15.30 to 17.00 - visit Dampoort Aqueduct
Location
Kleverskerkseweg 21 in Middelburg
Organiser
Zeeland Region
Name and contact details for information
Vincent Calon