The existing Merwede Bridge is located near Gorinchem on the A27 motorway – one of the country’s main north-south routes. The project to modernise this motorway between the town of Houten and junction Hooipolder includes replacement of the bridge spanning the Merwede River. This will improve traffic flows and enhance safety, as well as ensuring a long-term connection for passenger and goods traffic using this crucial corridor.
The contract centres on construction of the new West Bridge. The specificity of this operation lies in the fact that it includes a steel arch section of 258 metres long, and a movable part of 53 metres.
Iemants is responsible for the engineering, manufacturing, delivery, assembly and installation of the two structures. The main arch section – which represents around 7,400 tonnes of steel – and the movable section weighing approximately 840 tonnes, will be manufactured at our Eiffage Group facilities in Arendonk, Balen and Hoboken or Vlissingen. Fabrication of the bridge components, assembled on site near the Gorinchem Bridge, started in June 2026. The work is scheduled for completion in 2030.
This large-scale project highlights Eiffage’s expertise in complex steel engineering structures and its ability to manage European-level infrastructure projects. It also strengthens Eiffage Métal’s position as a key player in this market.
