Van der Ende recently received the order from Prorail for the preservation of the railroad bridge Oosterbeek (near Arnhem).
In accordance with the specifications, this fully riveted arch bridge with 6 abutments will be grit-blasted to cleanliness grade Sa2½. Quite a challenge because the existing preservation layer consists of a so-called flint coating a type of bituminous layer 1½ to sometimes as thick as 6 mm.[/column]
Of course, no paint residue should be released into the environment. The entire bridge will therefore be wrapped up, while trains will continue to run as usual during the work. This makes scheduling all the work and organizing the security regime crucial.
In March 2011, we will start the pre-treatment and preservation of the bridge.Bridge is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2012. The total area to be treated is 30,000 m2.
History of railroad bridge Oosterbeek
The bridge was originally built in 1878 when it consisted of two truss bridges that had a total span of 93.1 meters and four approach bridges, each with a span of 55.8 meters. In World War II, the bridge was destroyed as a result of bombing. After the war, the bridge was rebuilt in its current form. The bridge consists of a 130-meter main span and six 55.8-meter bridges.