Major maintenance and smart solutions for Goeree-Overflakkee

The province of Zuid-Holland is working with Mourik to improve traffic flow and safety on the N215, the main access road for Goeree-Overflakkee. Over a stretch of 10 kilometers, the road will undergo major maintenance, intersections will be grade-separated, and a new access road will be built at Nieuwe-Tonge. The approach is characterized by smart choices that minimize environmental impact.

Circular choices and smart material savings

“By optimizing the design, we use less concrete and steel,” says Maarten van Dooren, project manager at Mourik Infra. “We also reuse sand, asphalt, and existing structures wherever possible. And instead of regular asphalt, we use the more sustainable Lynpave. Altogether, these efforts resulted in a low MKI value (Environmental Cost Indicator), which was a key aspect in awarding the contract.” 

For the construction of the new bicycle tunnel at Nieuwe-Tonge, CSM walls were deliberately chosen. “This means we don’t have to excavate everything; instead, we can mill the walls directly into the ground,” says Rob Vercammen, work planner at Mourik Infra. “We reuse the existing soil and mix it with a cement slurry. This saves raw materials and reduces transportation. This method also minimizes vibrations, which is important at a site with older homes and a gas station nearby.” 

New turbo roundabout and safe bicycle tunnel

There will be a new turbo roundabout and a 160-meter-long bicycle tunnel constructed toward Middelharnis. “By converting the current single-lane roundabout into a turbo roundabout, we’ll improve traffic flow,” says Maarten. “And soon, students will be able to safely cycle underneath the roundabout.” 

The turbo roundabout requires a complex foundation to ensure that there is no height difference with the adjacent bicycle tunnel. Beneath the road structure, a settlement-free pile mattress consisting of 1,350 piles, each 17 meters long, will be installed and enclosed with geogrid. 

With conscious choices and a focus on the environment, Mourik is working together with the province of Zuid-Holland to make the N215 safer and future-ready. Local involvement is high. “You can really tell the community is involved,” says Maarten. “Especially for cycling children and recreational users, this area will soon be much safer. That motivates us as a team. This is a project we are proud of.”