On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Framework Agreement for Engineering Services for Bridges (ROK IB) came into effect. With this new framework agreement, Rijkswaterstaat and the market together address the renewal task for bridges.
Much of the infrastructure from the 1950s and 1960s is due for renovation or replacement. Our networks are more heavily burdened than ever. The renewal task therefore requires higher production: more and faster. This framework agreement plays an important role in the execution of this major task.
Accelerating Together
This framework agreement is specifically intended for integral, multidisciplinary assignments, such as planning (for example, research and design) and advising Rijkswaterstaat during the contract preparation and tendering of bridges and viaducts.
To work more efficiently and quickly, 41 fixed steel and concrete bridges and viaducts were contracted simultaneously in one tender. Additionally, the framework agreement uses standard work packages to promote uniformity and programmatic learning.
With a focus on optimal knowledge sharing, innovation, and learning from each others experiences to effectively shape the acceleration. The selected parties have clearly added value in this area with their submissions.
Robert de Roos, Portfolio Manager Bridges, Rijkswaterstaat: With this agreement, we can continue to build on a long-term collaboration with a large part of the engineering market. It is a unique opportunity to learn from each other and thus carry out the significant task of renewing bridges more efficiently and quickly.
Framework Agreement
The ROK IB includes three lots for steel bridges and three lots for concrete bridges and viaducts. This framework agreement allows for the preparation of the bridges to be renewed.
Including the fixed steel bridge sections of the Haringvliet Bridge and the Spijkenisser Bridge and the Kreekrak Bridge, as well as the concrete bridges and viaducts Kunderberg, Arkervaart, Velperbroek, Oirschot, and J.F. Kennedyweg. The remaining bridges and viaducts are not yet fixed and will be partially filled in during the contract period based on new information arising from inspections.
Lots for Steel Bridges
- Combination Arup-TAUW
- Combination Witteveen+Bos Consulting Engineers, Antea Nederland B.V. and Movares Nederland B.V.
- Combination Haskoning, Wagemaker Construction Consultancy B.V. and Iv-Infra B.V.
Lots for Concrete Bridges & Viaducts
- Arcadis Nederland B.V.
- Combination Haskoning, Wagemaker Construction Consultancy B.V. and Iv-Infra B.V.
- Combination Witteveen+Bos Consulting Engineers, Antea Nederland B.V., Arcadis Nederland B.V. and Movares Nederland B.V.
Conclusion
By successfully completing this tender, Rijkswaterstaat has organized the procurement of engineering services for the most priority bridges for the next four years and thus laid the foundation for the execution of the renewal task for bridges.
