On Monday, October 6, 2025, Rijkswaterstaat officially kicked off project Tilburg 3 at sluice Panheel (Limburg): one of the largest renovation projects for locks, bridges, and water regulation works in Southern Netherlands. With this multi-year project, we will work until 2032 to make the vital water infrastructure in North Brabant and Middle Limburg future-proof.
During the festive start moment, invited guests gathered to reflect on this special milestone. Among those present were the outgoing Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Robert Tieman, director of the contractor combination Orion Richard Pijpelink, and project director of Rijkswaterstaat Teun Ruijters.
In an open table discussion, they talked about the approach, the challenges, and the craftsmanship involved in this large project. The construction sign at sluice Panheel was also unveiled, and Minister Tieman took the time to engage with partners and stakeholders in the region.
Robert Tieman: ‘We have traditionally been a waterland. Water supplies not only the Netherlands but also the rest of Europe. For that, we need a reliable network of waterways, with all the infrastructure that comes with it. I am glad to be here at the kick-off because with this project, we are preparing that infrastructure for the future.’
Richard Pijpelink, director of Orion: ‘Today marks the start of the execution phase on site, following a successful tender and intensive preparation. We are proud that we are making a crucial contribution to regional mobility and the safety and continuity of the objects along the Brabant and Middle Limburg canals. Thanks to these renovations, the structures will be future-proof and suitable for many years of use.
The presence of the minister on this important day emphasizes the appreciation for our work and is a wonderful recognition of the joint task that still lies ahead of us.
Renovation and modernization
Within the project Tilburg 3, we renovate and modernize movable objects such as bridges and locks. We renew various types of drives, replace cameras, update sound and marine radio installations, and modernize the operation and control from the Control Center in Tilburg. In total, we will tackle 21 water regulation works (drains, outlets, and pumping stations), 20 lock complexes, and 27 movable bridges. After the project is completed, they will be technically up-to-date.
The project kicks off at sluice Panheel, where the doors in the old lock will be replaced. Particularly special is that sluice Panheel is 100 years old this year.
Future-proof infrastructure
Thanks to this modernization, the infrastructure remains not only reliable but also better able to withstand future developments. Waterways and container terminals will be well accessible after the work, and the chance of disruptions will be significantly reduced. We will carry out the work in phases until 2032. Where necessary, we will inform users in advance about possible disruptions via the website waterway information .
Collaboration
Rijkswaterstaat collaborates with Orion, a combination of Istimewa Elektro, Yunex Traffic, and Mourik Infra. Orion is responsible for the design, execution, and maintenance of the objects until 2032.
More information on renovation project Tilburg 3
If you have questions or comments about the work, visit the website of Rijkswaterstaat Traffic Information or contact us.
