PONTE PALAZZO - ’S HERTOGENBOSCH

Designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects, the Ponte Palazzo bridge connects the old historical city centre of 's-Hertogenbosch and the ‘Paleiskwartier’, a relatively young district west of the Centre. The bridge spans multiple train tracks and some roads and is developed as a line-shaped park, where a foot and cycle path is included. The bridge has a total length of about 249m and includes 5 spans. The spans vary from approximately 20 m to 57 m. The width of the structure, at the level of the footpath, is 9.8 m.

Because of the park-like design the bridge is a vibrant connection between the two centres, fits in the environment and it is of high structural and architectural quality. The use of weather-proof steel is in harmony with the surrounding fortifications and produces a characteristic effect. The material used for making this effect is Cor-ten steel, an alloy with a compact layer of rust that effectively stops the rusting process.

Within the team Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM) was used to improve cooperation between the design team, the client, Prorail and other involved parties.

The preliminary design is developed on the basis of the winning competition design of BCA. During the preliminary design phase Arup collaborated with BCA, the municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch and ProRail to develop the design of the bridge so that it fits the concept design and complies with the requirements of the various stakeholders.

PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT

as employee of Arup: project director

PROJECT INFORMATION

Total bridge length: 249m
build-up: 5 spans between 20 to 57m
deck width: 9,8m
location: ‘s Hertogenbosch

PROJECT TEAM

client: Municipality ‘s Hertogenbosch
technical consultant: Prorail
architect : Benthem Crouwel Architects
construction: Arup