Where in Zuidas
Between 16 and 22 July 2022, we are extending the metro platform for line 52 (the North/South line) at Amsterdam Zuid station around 50 m in an easterly direction. As a result, part of the platform will be above Beethovenstraat. In order to support the extended section of the platform, we are placing a steel structure in the shape of an upturned Y underneath the viaduct.
Closure and diversion
In order to keep disruption to a minimum, we are putting the steel structure into position at night. For this purpose, starting on the evening of Sunday 8 May, we are closing the western lane of Beethovenstraat, together with the western pedestrian and cycle path. During the road closures at night, traffic will be diverted via Strawinskylaan, Parnassusweg and De Boelelaan. The pedestrian and cycle path on the west side of Beethovenstraat will be diverted via the east side, from Mathijs Vermeulenpad to Spoorslag (see the map below). There will be traffic controllers on both sides of Beethovenstraat to guide cyclists and pedestrians. We will remove the road closure at 06:00 on the morning of Friday, 13 May.
Hoisting 8,000 kg
These works are a temporary measure. We are doing this to create space to complete construction of the second passenger tunnel (the Brittenpassage) and to refurbish the existing Minervapassage. Once the Brittenpassage has been completed, all of the metro platforms will be located between the Brittenpassage and the Minervapassage. The upturned Y structure will remain in place for approximately five years. The structure is supported by the footing on the existing viaducts (see the illustration below). Putting the structure into place is a major operation: the upturned Y weighs around 8,000 kg. A telescopic crane weighing 250 tonnes will be set up temporarily on the work site between the tracks above the viaduct. Jim Kerssens, planning engineer at contractor Heijmans: ‘Because of the complex setting and the surrounding tracks, the crane needs to be a long distance away. That means we have to hoist the components across a distance of 43 metres.’
Girders and platform
Putting the steel structure into position will not complete the job. On top of the upturned Y column, we are placing two girders, each weighing 12,000 kg and 25 m in length. On top of that, there will be a support platform weighing 15,000 kg, which will ultimately form the new platform floor above Beethovenstraat. We are using the telescopic crane to put all of the components into position. Kerssens: ‘Enabling all the traffic to carry on running as far as possible, including cars, bikes, pedestrians, as well as trains and metros, takes a lot of working out. By working overnight, we’re not only reducing disruption, it also enables us to carry out the work as safely as possible.’
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