Faults in Viaduct Design May Cause Traffic Issues

A construction flaw in numerous viaducts could lead to significant traffic disruptions in the future. The structures deteriorate faster than expected, potentially necessitating restrictions on heavy vehicles, reduced speed limits, or the installation of support structures.

According to De Telegraaf, Minister Madlener of Transport informed the Dutch House of Representatives this week that Rijkswaterstaat identified about one hundred bridges and viaducts with this issue, with additional numbers managed by provincial authorities. All affected structures use a tooth-and-notch design, which is vulnerable to water mixed with road salt, accelerating rust in the concrete’s reinforcement.

The severity of the issue varies based on the construction year, design, and maintenance condition. Notably, the problems are not detectable through regular inspections, prompting Rijkswaterstaat to conduct additional inspections in 2022.

Six locations, including the Prins Clausplein near The Hague and the Velperbroek junction, have been prioritized. In total, seventeen structures require attention.

Madlener acknowledges that “these transitions should have been constructed differently in the past.” This announcement stemmed from parliamentary questions regarding weight restrictions at the Velperbroek junction on the A12 near Arnhem, where heavy trucks have been rerouted since December. Madlener cautions that adding support structures might cause further disruptions, although the exact impact remains unclear due to the absence of a finalized design.

Rijkswaterstaat assures that the road sections remain safe for use and are closely monitored, while also acknowledging that they are aging faster than planned, compromising structural safety over time.

Source: NOS

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