Issued by Stefan Van der Voorn, Contract Manager at Rijkswaterstaat, the certificate confirms that the new A16 motorway meets the standards required by the Design, Build, Finance, and Maintain (DBFM) contract. This accomplishment represents a crucial step towards the project's final opening, planned for late 2025.
The A16 Rotterdam, an 11-kilometre stretch of motorway featuring the state-of-the-art Rottemerentunnel, is nearly complete from a construction standpoint. The certificate recognises that the infrastructure is ready for the next phase, which includes final preparations for opening and the start of a 20-year maintenance period.
The intensive collaboration between the partners of the De Groene Boog consortium and the client Rijkswaterstaat has been central to achieving this milestone. In addition to BESIX Nederland, De Groene Boog consists of Dura Vermeer, Mobilis TBI, Croonwolter&dros, Van Oord, Rebel and John Laing. Together, they are responsible for the design, construction, financing, and long-term maintenance of the A16 Rotterdam.
Despite receiving the Availability Certificate, there is still work to be done before the A16 Rotterdam can open to the public. Upcoming tasks include the testing of the 54 systems of the Rottemer Tunnel, securing the operational permit from the Municipality of Lansingerland, and completing various infrastructure elements, such as connecting the A16 to existing road networks, building bicycle paths, and creating a green zone on the tunnel roof. Additionally, the final touches will be applied to the recreational bridge, designed to serve both people and wildlife, and to the viaduct over Rotterdam’s Hoofdweg.
The delivery of the Availability Certificate signifies a shift from construction to preparation for operations, paving the way for the transition into the long-term maintenance phase. This milestone ensures that the A16 Rotterdam project remains on track for its opening at the end of 2025, bringing significant improvements to the region's connectivity and mobility.