Rijkswaterstaat has awarded the Major Variable Maintenance for the A12 and A44 to Van Gelder Contracting Company. This involves the A12 in both directions between the junction from The Hague Malieveld to the junction Oudenrijn and the A44 between the junction Burgerveen and junction Ommedijk.
For this project, the so-called leading approach has been applied. Here, companies are challenged to carry out maintenance on the roads as sustainably as possible.
The preparatory work for the Major Variable Maintenance will start in mid-August 2025 and continue until early November 2027. From the summer of 2025, the asphalt will be replaced.
The shoulders will also be lowered, and guardrails will be replaced or repaired at various locations. Additionally, joint transitions will be replaced, and repair work on viaducts and bridges will be carried out. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. It is anticipated that the work will cause disruptions for traffic.
Tender for Major Variable Maintenance A12 and A44
The A12 is an important traffic artery. The disruption approach has therefore been an important topic in the tender when determining the best price-quality ratio. Contractors were also challenged to propose sustainable asphalt mixtures for the work. Van Gelder Contracting Company emerged as the winner in this regard. The contract is valued at approximately 47 million euros.
Gerko Vos, Director Projects Van Gelder Contracting Company
‘We will carry out the asphalt maintenance on the A12 and A44 with a focus on safety and sustainability, an approach that aligns seamlessly with Van Gelders strategy. We apply asphalt that is produced in the most responsible manner. Over the next 3 years, we will work with Rijkswaterstaat on a future-proof and environmentally conscious approach to the maintenance task. Together we ensure a safe and accessible Netherlands.’
Silvia van Waardenburg, Project Manager Rijkswaterstaat
‘As Rijkswaterstaat, we aim for high-quality, sustainable road surfaces. With Van Gelder as contractor, we trust that this approach will indeed be visible in practice. Our challenges are significant, especially in our busy region with many projects, but we look forward to this project together with Van Gelder as a partner.’
Leading Approach to Sustainable Road Surfaces
As the largest road manager in the Netherlands, Rijkswaterstaat takes its responsibility in achieving climate goals. Therefore, we are transitioning to sustainable road surfaces, maintaining the high quality standard we are accustomed to in the Netherlands. On the way to climate-neutral and circular operations, Rijkswaterstaat is raising the sustainability bar for asphalt in tenders.
The leading approach aims to make investments in sustainable road surfaces rewarding for companies. Therefore, we ensure that until 2030, every year in multiple projects, the most sustainable alternatives are given space. This way, sustainable leaders can earn back their innovation and together with us contribute to the transition to a sustainable infrastructure sector.