Rotterdam in development

125 R O T T E R D A M I N D E V E L O P M E N T | 2 0 1 8 part of the project. “We’ve got 40 different installation sections,” Hoeboer says. These include the ventilation in the tunnels, the traffic system, loudspeaker installations, cameras and all the electrical installations. Because the tunnel will be operated remotely from the Kleinpolderplein traffic hub, the necessary operational and alarm equipment also needs to be installed there. The national monument will need to incorporate a new ventilation system. The ingenious ventilation system with compressed air ducts under the roadways will no longer be used; instead, large ventilators will be installed at both tunnel entrances. The iconic ventilation buildings on the north and south bank of the Nieuwe Maas will of course remain; they will house a lot of technical areas and they are also historic examples of installation engineering. The modern ventilators mainly serve an additional fire safety function. “In case of fire, the ventilators force the smoke from one side of the tunnel towards the outdoors.” With its renovated installation engineering, the 75-year-old Maastunnel will satisfy the Tunnel Safety Act that comes into force in 2019. ERASMUS MC ACCESSIBLE The work on the tunnel will take two years: one year for each side. During the renovation, one side of the tunnel will remain open towards Rotterdam North, because the Erasmus MC in Rotterdam Centrum needs to remain easily accessible as part of the care provision for residents of Rotterdam South. In 2019, once the work on both sides of the tunnel is complete, it will be the turn of the cycle- and pedestrian tunnel to be renovated. CONSTRUCTION PARTNER “A labour-intensive and precise job,” Hoeboer evaluates the project, “but mainly good because it calls for all kinds of expertise within our concern. And it’s great because it involves a Rotterdam icon.” TBI sees Rotterdam as its home port. The concern has been involved in other projects, including the rebuilding of Rotterdam CS. “The Maastunnel is an exceptional project. You hear that a lot in the construction industry, but this time it’s really true.” The tender called for a bespoke contract, the contractor explains, in which the municipality also wanted to lay out the collaboration properly. As a vital traffic artery, the Maastunnel cannot easily cope with delays to the work, so the project calls for maximum commitment to preparation and coordination. Not to mention that the monumental character must be safeguarded. The fact that the contractor and the client share office space – and the coffee machine – is an indication of their committed collaboration. “Contractually speaking, the municipality is the client, but in practice they are mainly a construction partner. Together, we are going to make a success of this renovation.” Rotterdam residents are proud of their tunnel, which came into use silently in 1942, in the middle of the war. It is great to be able to say: ‘The Maastunnel was the first submerged traffic tunnel in the Netherlands.’ Following thorough renovations, it will be able to continue for another 50 years – and halfway through that period it will celebrate its centenary, in top condition.