Ron Tummers about the VRR road near the Botlek Bridge

“The project can be divided into three sections: one east of the Botlek Bridge, one west of it, and finally the Botlek Rail Tunnel control building. This is the technical building along the tracks that is used for the operation, control, and safety of traffic in the rail tunnel,” Ron explains.

The road is only available as an emergency and service road. “This means the road is intended for incident response on the railway crossing the Botlek Bridge,” Ron explains. “In addition, emergency services can also quickly and easily access the A15 via this road, for example in the event of a traffic jam.”

What is currently being constructed is a permanent solution to replace the current temporary measures. Slope stairs and access points play a key role in this. They bridge the height differences between ground level, the tracks, and the highway and ensure that emergency services can respond quickly and safely. “Why is this so essential? To ensure sufficient firefighting water is available during incident response,” says Ron.

On the east side, access points have now been established between the A15 and the adjacent railroad tracks. These connections allow emergency services to quickly access the fire hydrants along the A15 and the railroad tracks in the event of an emergency. The railroad tracks are elevated here due to the Botlek Bridge.

On the west side, work is underway to complete wadis (green depressions that collect rainwater, temporarily store it, and allow it to slowly infiltrate the soil) and sewer systems. Preparations are also underway for paving the emergency access road. Here, the road crosses a utility corridor, which requires extra attention during construction. “Where the road crosses a utility corridor, the pavement will consist of Stelcon slabs,” explains Ron. “These can be easily removed and reinstalled if work on the utility lines is needed.”

Ron’s role is multifaceted: from coordinating with subcontractors and the client to overseeing scheduling, quality, and finances. “No two days are the same,” he says. “It’s precisely that dynamic and the collaborative effort toward a concrete and socially relevant outcome that make working on the A-Lanes A15 project so rewarding for me.”

What makes the emergency road special, according to Ron, is not just the road’s function itself, but especially the way the project is being carried out. “Perhaps it’s not the road that’s special, but rather the collaboration between the team, the client, stakeholders, and subcontractors,” he says.

“The fact that we’ve already achieved so much in such a short time is thanks not only to the team, but also to all the people from our subcontractors who give their all every day,” Ron explains.

Looking ahead a year, Ron’s expectation is clear: “I assume we will have completed the road and that it will be ready for use. In the event of incidents, response times can then be significantly reduced, potentially preventing the situation from worsening.” This means that the temporary measures and facilities can be phased out.

His key message? “Engage with stakeholders, be aware of their interests, and communicate openly and authentically.”