MBArch students from the IE School of Architecture and Design / IE University visit the A-9 motorway expansion project in the Netherlands, carried out by FCC Construcción.

The project consists of the remodelling of an 11.4 km section of the A9 motorway between Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht. The work involves widening the platform from three to four lanes in each direction, with the corresponding expansion of existing structures (11), new links to other roads, as well as bridges and tunnels. In this regard, a 1.7 km section where the road surface (currently on an embankment) is to be lowered and converted into a trench section with three covered subsections is particularly noteworthy. The project has been carried out while maintaining traffic on the current motorway and minimising the impact on the urban environment.

In addition, the scope of the concession includes maintenance for two years after completion of the construction work. The new covered areas will serve to regenerate the more urban area, creating new spaces for green areas, roads, etc. The ‘Tree Bridge’, a very unique architectural bridge located over the closed area of the Keizer Karelweg, is one of the most significant elements of the project.