The government is releasing an extra €18 billion to thoroughly renew the infrastructure in the coming years. This is stated in a letter to Parliament on the reprioritisation of maintenance and renewal that the minister and state secretary sent to the House of Representatives on 16 October. All national infrastructure projects have been weighed against each other again. The starting points: preservation takes priority and safety comes first.
Why this is needed
Many bridges, locks, roads and railway lines were built in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. They are ageing. Alongside the letter to Parliament, the State of the Infrastructure 2025 was published. It shows that the technical condition came under further pressure in 2025. Rijkswaterstaat writes that the infrastructure is ageing and no longer meets the required standards everywhere. Despite measures, it is not possible everywhere to keep bridges and locks accessible.
As examples of essential works to be tackled with the extra money, Rijkswaterstaat mentions the IJmuiden pumping station and the Haringvliet bridge. Political decision-making follows with the Spring Memorandum 2027. After that, Rijkswaterstaat can update the procurement planning and programming for the coming years.
It is not just about concrete and steel
With renovation you quickly think of concrete repair, new bridge decks or replacing lock gates. But movable structures are machines too. A lift bridge, swing bridge or lock gate has drives, sensors, limit switches and lighting. The cables for these often move along via a cable carrier.
Such a structure moves less often than a production machine, but it must always work. And it is outdoors: in sun, rain, frost and wind, sometimes above water. A cable carrier installed there long ago has many years behind it. The same applies to the cables inside, which have also been exposed to UV and temperature changes over that period.
Include the cable routing in the renovation
Anyone renovating a movable structure already has it open. That is the moment to also assess the cable carrier and the cables, rather than having to replace them separately in a few years' time with a new closure. A few questions that help:
- Is the existing carrier still in good condition? Play in the links, worn gliding surfaces or broken cross bars are signs that replacement is needed. Read more in recognising cable carrier wear.
- Does the design suit the location? Outdoors calls for a carrier suitable for UV, moisture and cold. See the cable carriers for outdoor use.
- Are the cables suitable for movement and outdoor use? A sheath that cannot withstand UV or movement fails sooner than the carrier.
- Is the control system changing? With a new drive or control system, cables are often added or the diameters change. The layout of the carrier then has to be redone as well.
- Can it be done in one closure? A carrier that is fully prepared in advance, with the cables inside, shortens installation on site.
If you are unsure whether the existing carrier can stay, repair or replace a cable carrier explains how to weigh it up.
What Wisman Techniek can do
Wisman Techniek has worked with cable carriers since 1975, including on bridges and locks. Our page on cable carriers for movable bridges and locks lists the series we use for this. For contractors, installers and asset managers we can:
- document the condition of existing cable carriers during an on-site inspection, with photos and advice;
- find a replacement that fits the existing installation space, even if the old type is no longer available;
- pre-assemble carrier and cables in our workshop in Ruurlo, so installation during the closure stays short;
- check the calculation free of charge if you have already chosen a carrier yourself.
The decision-making on the extra money only follows in the spring. But anyone who already knows which structures are due in the coming years can include the cable routing in the preparation now.
