Collaboration According to 2-Phase Approach

The renovation proceeds via a 2-phase approach. Here, Rijkswaterstaat and Heijmans work together from design to completion. The significant advantage of this 2-phase approach is that risks are minimized. In phase 1, the entire project is mapped out so that it is clear what the amount of work is and what the expected costs are. In phase 2, the project is executed. Work will start on October 1, 2025. The work is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

In 2023, phase 1 (the preparation phase) began, during which Rijkswaterstaat and Heijmans jointly developed the design and mapped the project risks. This phase lasted about 1.5 years. During this 1^st phase, inspections were carried out on various components, and it was determined what measures (design choices) were necessary. These measures were discussed with the environment, with the Committee for Environmental Quality Nieuwegein (CON), and the Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE). Now that this phase is complete, Heijmans will proceed with its partners to execute phase 2. This includes renovating the Wilhelmina Bridge and Emma Bridge, the lock gates, and control buildings. Additionally, the control and management software for the lock gates will be replaced, and measures will be taken to improve safety for users. The design takes into account the monumental status of the Queens Lock and the Emma Bridge.

The Execution Phase

The transition to the execution phase (phase 2) means that the planned work will now actually be carried out. Heijmans will start work outdoors in October 2025. Until September, the Queens Lock will remain available for shipping. The upcoming period will be used for ordering the necessary materials and detailing the execution.

Martin Wijnen, Director-General of Rijkswaterstaat: ‘This renovation is, together with the renovation of the Houtrib complex, part of a portfolio contract and thus contributes to the major renewal task facing Rijkswaterstaat. I confidently hand over the renovation of the Queens Lock to Heijmans. This marks the start of the execution phase, the 2^nd phase of the 2-phase approach. The preparation phase, in which Rijkswaterstaat and Heijmans map out the entire project, is now complete.’

Ton Hillen, CEO of Heijmans: ‘In such a portfolio task, good cooperation between the client and contractor is crucial. The 2-phase approach has allowed us to establish a close collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat, with attention to each others interests. This gives us the confidence to execute phase 2 smartly and efficiently, with maximum attention to the well-being of the environment and shipping traffic. The collaboration between Rijkswaterstaat and Heijmans and the lessons learned from the Queens Lock also form a solid basis for future collaboration on the Houtrib complex.’

Portfolio Approach

The renovation of the Queens Lock is part of a portfolio approach. With good execution of the basic assignment (renovation of the Queens Lock), Rijkswaterstaat can also proceed to assign the repeat assignment (renovation of the Houtrib complex) to Heijmans. Before Rijkswaterstaat proceeds to assign the repeat assignment, a negotiation procedure will precede.

Both the 2-phase approach and the portfolio approach are measures from the transition program On the way to a vital infrastructure sector. In it, market parties and Rijkswaterstaat work together towards a sector that is sustainable and innovative, financially healthy, and in which the risks associated with infrastructure projects are well managed. Through the portfolio approach, we increase the learning experience across projects and increase the production capacity of the renewal task.

About the Queens Lock

The Queens Lock is an important connection for mainly recreational navigation between the Merwede Canal and the Lek. The Queens Lock is, like the Emma Bridge and the former lock keepers houses, a national monument. The Merwede Canal and the banks have cultural-historical value. Rijkswaterstaat ensures that during the renovation, history is preserved.