The Nelson Mandela Bridge, commissioned in the early 1990s, is an important connection for the city and the only way to get to Zoetermeer station. In addition, the A12 also runs under the bridge. However, the bridge section above the A12 had to be removed due to doubts about its safety.
The starting point for dismantling the bridge was of course that this would be done in a safe and environmentally responsible way. DDM took measures to maintain the structure of working safely. As it always does. 'Safety first' was again a priority during this project.
DDM carried out several activities that contributed to the decommissioning of the Nelson Mandela Bridge. Partitions were made in the frames so that a constructive partition could be made for driving out the bridge.
On Wednesday 28 December, the bridge section was driven away after which the dismantling work could be continued. DDM carried out its dismantling work from aerial platforms manoeuvring around the bridge deck. The dismantling workers removed the glass panels after driving off the bridge. The canopy structure was dismantled using cranes for reuse.
Removing the Nelson Mandela Bridge was a challenge because the A12 motorway runs under the bridge. A tight schedule was therefore drawn up so that traffic would experience the least possible disruption to the work. Partly due to DDM's precise working methods, the road could even be opened 8 hours earlier than planned!
DDM is proud of its dismantling specialists and project engineers who made a major contribution to the dismantling of the Nelson Mandela Bridge. The bridge section over the A12 was successfully removed by the successful combination.
The Quality and Health, Safety and the Environment policy is an ongoing process. That is why DDM is continuously working on improving all these areas to keep improving safety levels.
DDM was rewarded with a World Demolition Award in the Civils category.
Removing 5 arch bridges over the Amsterdam Rhine Canal was an intensive job. The schedule was tight and the expectations of all employees were high. But with a joint effort and incredible passion, DDM has successfully removed and recycled the 5 bridges within schedule.
Every year DDM holds a number of safety days to boost safety awareness.
Last year's objectives are evaluated and new objectives are determined. All managers and all operational employees discuss safety, policy and vision together. In addition to all regular training courses, DDM offers workshops and training to all employees during these days to take the qualities of the professionals to an even higher level. Together with all DDM employees, we are working on an increasingly higher safety ethic. Everyone at DDM carries out their work in a safe and healthy manner, with sufficient attention to the environment. And they're getting better at it. This applies to everyone; back to work healthy and safe and back home healthy.
Dow has awarded DDM a certificate for Outstanding Safety Performance.
Following various demolition and disassembly projects that DDM carries out worldwide for Dow Chemical Company, DDM has received recognition for its excellent safety performance during implementation. DDM always continues to strive for a higher level of safety. Safety First! Read below a quote from the letter that DDM received from Dow. “In summary, DDM continues to deliver excellent performance in safely planning and executing all work related to Dow demolition projects. We truly believe that your company's exceptional efforts continue to be a reflection of the leadership and support of you and the entire DDM Management team. "
Dirk was the architect of this website
