Cable management for 8 metres of expansion on the Hanzebrug near Hattem

The Hanzebrug near Hattem is a crucial part of the Hanzelijn. This impressive steel railway bridge is subject to considerable temperature differences, which cause the structure to move. In practice, this means the bridge can expand or contract by as much as 8 metres. For the cables and lines that supply the bridge with power and communication, this is a huge challenge. Without the right guidance, these cables would kink, chafe or even break due to the constant movement. The request to us was clear: design a system that can bridge this enormous stroke and protect the cables in all weather conditions.

As exclusive partner of Tsubaki Kabelschlepp, we have the technical expertise in house to engineer a custom solution for complex challenges like this. We chose to install two robust cable carriers, spread over three different height levels. This means the cables are caught and guided in a controlled way when the bridge expands.

An additional challenge was that the cables had already been pulled through the bridge. This meant we could not assemble the cable carriers in the workshop, but had to build them on site around the existing cables. For this, our fitters designed and installed special suspension brackets that provide a stable, vibration-free attachment to the steel structure. During installation, we also strictly separated the data cables from the heavy power cables to prevent interference and maximise safety.

The result is a rock-solid system that fully supports the flexibility of the Hanzebrug. Whether it is freezing or the height of summer, the energy chains move smoothly with the bridge structure. By combining engineering and installation, we delivered a solution that significantly extends the service life of the valuable cabling. The Dutch government can now rely on the electrical systems and communication lines on this vital railway route working reliably. Want to know more about our approach to large infrastructure projects? Take a look at our other projects.