Cable carriers for the lift bridge of the Botlekbrug in Rotterdam

The Botlekbrug is the lift bridge in the A15 across the Oude Maas, in the heart of the Rotterdam port area. To let ships through, the bridge deck rises and lowers again. Everything that carries power, control and data to the moving section has to follow that movement flawlessly, every time.

The biggest challenge was space. The cable carrier had to fit in a narrow shaft in the concrete pier, right next to the guide of the bridge deck. There was no room for a wide bend or an extra guide channel, nor for easy access during installation. On top of that, the carrier hangs vertically, outdoors, exposed to wind and weather. So the cables not only had to fit, they also had to be neatly guided and properly relieved, so they keep running straight in the carrier with every lift.

We started with engineering: what movement the bridge deck makes, how much space there is in the shaft and what needs to go into the cable package. Based on that, we chose a cable carrier from Tsubaki Kabelschlepp that fits exactly within the available width and can hang vertically, with a layout that gives every cable its own place.

For the cables, we used TRAXLINE cables, made for continuous movement in a cable carrier. At the fixed end, we secured them with strain relief clamps, so the forces of the movement do not reach the connections.

We delivered the carriers and accessories to the construction site by lorry. Our fitters then carried out the installation on site: from the scaffolding in the shaft, with little working space and in coordination with the other parties on the project.

The cables of the lifting bridge deck now move in a controlled way in a cable carrier that fits the shaft exactly. Because engineering, supply and installation were in one pair of hands, the design matched the actual space in the pier and installation went without surprises.

Working on a bridge, lock or other movable structure with little room for the cables? Also take a look at the Hanzebrug near Hattem or get in touch with one of our specialists.