Hellendoornseweg reopens with one million reused bricks and safer crossings
Residents of Mariënheem and Hellendoorn can now use the newly renovated Hellendoornseweg, completed ahead of Easter. The project reused one million bricks, improved traffic safety, and reduced environmental impact—showing how road maintenance can be both sustainable and future-proof.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hellendoornseweg, between Mariënheem and Hellendoorn (Overijssel) |
| Completion Date | Before Easter 2026 |
| Reused Materials | ~1 million fired bricks |
| Sustainability Measures | Low-impact materials, Ecolegger paving machine, reduced waste |
| Safety Improvements | Modified intersections, bayonet crossing at Blikweg, clearer road markings |
| Contractor | Klink-Nijland |
| Project Manager | Simon Kolkman |
The Province of Overijssel oversees road maintenance and infrastructure projects, ensuring safe and sustainable mobility for residents. This project aligns with their circular economy goals by prioritizing material reuse and reducing environmental impact.
Read the full translated article below
Sustainable renewal: Hellendoornseweg works completed before Easter and ready for the future
Renovating a road while making smart use of raw materials, materials, and people. That was the starting point for the redesign of the Hellendoornseweg, a distinctive road between Mariënheem and Hellendoorn. Project manager Simon Kolkman explains how this project opted for material reuse, efficient machine use, and attention to the people carrying out the work. The result: a road ready for the future, while preserving its old character.
Reuse as a smart choice
The most striking sustainable choice in this project was the reuse of existing paving stones. In total, approximately one million fired bricks were reused. This is remarkable not only because of the large quantity but especially because it demonstrates what circular working means in practice. According to Simon, this fits perfectly with how such projects are now viewed: “Reuse was a logical choice for us. This type of fired brick lasts a long time and is very suitable for reuse.” The stones were not simply reused. Their suitability for reuse was thoroughly examined beforehand. The quality, strength, and whether the material retained its shape were all assessed. Only then were the stones reused in the road. Sustainability was also a key consideration for other materials. “Where possible, we chose construction materials with a low environmental impact or a longer lifespan,” Simon explains.
Efficient machine use
Sustainable working goes beyond just materials. In addition to working with local contractor Klink-Nijland, smart choices were also made during execution. “Many machines were used to work efficiently and accurately. A good example is the Ecolegger, a machine that mechanically lays paving. It works like a carpet layer for paving stones.”
“Such a machine has multiple advantages. The work is carried out neatly and efficiently, but it also reduces physically demanding labour for the workers. Everything that can be done mechanically is done mechanically.” Another example is the use of auxiliary tools that precisely distribute raw materials. “This limits waste and speeds up the work. An added benefit is that machines need to make fewer turning movements, reducing the risk of damage and accidents.”
A safer route
In addition to sustainability, traffic safety was also a key aspect of this project. “The Hellendoornseweg not only needed maintenance but also required a safer layout in several places. That’s why almost all intersections were modified.” The crossings have been made clearer and more recognisable. Plateaus or false plateaus have been applied using different materials. “This makes it easier for road users to see that they are approaching an intersection and adjust their speed accordingly. This makes the road more transparent and safer.”
Particular attention was given to the intersection of Blikweg with the Hellendoornseweg. A special solution was chosen: a so-called bayonet intersection. “This is an intersection that essentially consists of two T-junctions and ensures that traffic can no longer drive straight through. It forces road users to pay closer attention and adjust their speed. This has made the intersection much safer.”
Attention to the surroundings
In addition to the technical aspects, such projects also focus on the surrounding area. “Many people live and work along the Hellendoornseweg. These people need to be able to get home or to work at all times. We took this into account as well.”
As much consideration as possible was given to residents, businesses, and events in the planning and phasing. This helped to carry out the work effectively and limit the nuisance experienced. “This is largely thanks to the contractor, who maintained good contact with local residents during the works.”
Ready for the future
The redesign of the Hellendoornseweg shows that major maintenance can be much more than just replacing worn-out elements. By making smart choices in materials and machinery, the road has been renewed. “We have demonstrated that you can renovate a road using existing materials while also looking to the future!”