Nijkerk unveils innovative circular bicycle bridge made from recycled materials
Residents of Nijkerk can now cross the N301 on a groundbreaking circular bicycle bridge built from recycled steel and wood. This sustainable project, a collaboration with students and local partners, reduces waste and sets a new standard for future infrastructure in Gelderland.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nijkerk, along the N301 |
| Materials Used | Recycled steel (from temporary buildings) and wood (from water projects) |
| Design | Modular, reusable sections |
| Old Bridge Fate | Shortened and reused as a new bridge |
| Collaborators | HAN University of Applied Sciences, ROC Rivor Tiel, Qumey, De Verschilmakerij, Boonzaaijer Aannemingsbedrijf B.V. |
| Educational Involvement | Students contributed to design, calculations, and assembly |
The Province of Gelderland is responsible for developing and maintaining sustainable infrastructure within the region. This project aligns with their broader goals of promoting a circular economy by reducing waste and encouraging the reuse of materials in public works.
Refueling time ☕
Openrijk navigates piles of government news daily. Your coffee helps us stay on course.
Read the full translated article below
New circular bicycle bridge in Nijkerk
The new circular bicycle bridge in Nijkerk, along the N301, has been installed.
The bridge was designed and built using recycled steel and wood. For this project, we collaborated with students from the HAN University of Applied Sciences (HAN) and ROC Rivor Tiel. This way, we are collectively building a sustainable infrastructure in Gelderland while learning along the way.
Modular design for reuse
For the replacement of the old bridge, we opted for a circular solution. The new bridge has a modular design, meaning it consists of separate sections (modules). In the future, the bridge can easily be extended, widened, or reused in a different location. The materials were carefully selected:
- steel from temporary buildings;
- wood from water construction projects.
The old bridge will also be given a new life. It will be shortened and reused as a bridge, reducing the need for new raw materials and lowering the environmental impact.
Collaborating on a circular infrastructure
A key aspect of this project is the collaboration with students from HAN and ROC Rivor Tiel. HAN students worked on the design and calculations, while ROC students assembled the bridge. Through this partnership, future designers, engineers, and metalworkers are learning to develop solutions for the future. Together with partners Qumey, De Verschilmakerij, and Boonzaaijer Aannemingsbedrijf B.V., we built a bridge that aligns with our ambition: using fewer new raw materials, maximizing reuse, and contributing to a circular economy.