During the weekend closures in April and May 2025, we will take the next step in the renovation: replacing the lifting, hauling, and balance cables on the eastern lift and installing new installations on and around the bridge.

Renewing Cables

Lifting and hauling of the lift is done with 32 thick steel cables, 8 per tower. These cables are over 25 years old and worn from heavy use, says Sjaak Luijten, execution manager at Yunex Traffic/Heijmans. Thats why we are renewing them. We start with the eastern lift, which is currently out of service. After the summer, the western lift, on the Spijkenisse side, will follow.

The old cables are no small feat: each cable weighs about 2.5 tons, equivalent to 2 cars, and is approximately 50 m long. We disconnect the cables one by one, lower them, and place them in an inland vessel that transports them away.

The new cables are then brought to the bridge on reels by truck. We hoist them up and secure them. One end to the blue lifting beam visible when the lift goes up, the other to the counterweight in the pillars.

From Crossing to Crossing

Besides renewing the cables, work is also being done on and around the bridge during these 5 weekends.

Luijten: We install all new electronic components including cameras, lighting, and a public address system. On the water, we install new signals for shipping. And on the access roads to and from the bridge, the approach bridges, we install new electronic boards and traffic lights. In short, we are busy from crossing to crossing during these weekends.

Safety First

In the first 2 weekends, the old cables on the eastern lift are removed, and in the following 2 weekends, the new ones are installed. All other work takes place over the 5 weekends.

Both lifts are in the low position, allowing us to perform our work. From the outside, it might appear that the bridge is still open, but thats definitely not the case. We have 50 to 70 people working, often at height. For safety reasons, it is necessary to perform the work without traffic on the bridge. However, the western lift remains available to open for high shipping.

Not Yet in Operation

The newly installed components are not yet operational. Until the summer, the old ones remain active. During the summer holidays, when the bridge is closed for 6 weeks, the eastern lift will switch to the new control system, including these new installations. The renovation of the Spijkenisser Bridge will last until the end of 2025.