Long-term crane hire project, N31 Harlingen

A section of the N31 (A31 Amsterdam – Leeuwarden) that runs through Harlingen is being relaid. The aim of the project is to improve access to Friesland and to improve safety and quality of life in Harlingen. The Directorate General of Public Works and Water Management’s Grote Projecten en Onderhoud (GPO, Major Projects and Maintenance) awarded Ballast Nedam the contract for the laying of this road. The construction company produced the design and will build the road including 5 viaducts and an aqueduct. The road is being widened to a dual carriageway and for the most part runs in a cutting 5 metres below ground level. So the road is hidden and Harlingen will once more look united.

Saan has been in evidence on the construction project many times since its start in 2016. Ballast Nedam awarded Saan the contract for the supply of cranes. Saan supplied various telecranes with various tonnages. A number of them stood on the construction site for long consecutive periods of from a few weeks to even 1.5 years. Cranes were also used for shorter projects.

During the construction period, Saan supported Ballast Nedam with various tasks such as determining the type of crane and by providing lifting drawings. Saan also provided riggers and other assistance during implementation. Saan crane operators assisted with the removal of the trench struts from the construction trench, the positioning of the abutments of the railway viaduct and the integration of the aqueduct. Work is currently being carried out on the positioning of the sand panels that decorate the cutting. Here an 8-tonne forklift truck is being used in addition to a number of telecranes.