Princess Beatrix lock

Major renovation of the lock

The Princess Beatrix Lock, the largest monumental inland waterway lock in the Netherlands, underwent a major renovation to accommodate increasing traffic on the Lek Canal. The project, led by the Sas van Vreeswijk consortium, focused on expanding capacity while preserving the historical and ecological integrity of the site.

Project overview

Situated on the Lek Canal, a vital link between the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the Princess Beatrix Lock was facing congestion due to the growing number of large vessels. To address this, the Rijkswaterstaat commissioned a comprehensive upgrade. The Sas van Vreeswijk consortium - comprising BESIX, Heijmans, and Jan De Nul - was tasked with constructing a third lock chamber, widening the canal, and adding berths for vessels.

Scope of works

Construction of a third lock chamber
Widening of the Lek Canal
Installation of additional berths for vessels
Integration of ecological and heritage preservation measures
Use of rolling doors instead of lift gates to maintain the historic skyline

Highlights

Heritage preservation: The lock is located within the New Holland Waterline, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. To preserve its historic character, rolling doors were chosen over lift gates to avoid altering the iconic landscape.
Landscape integration: The design ensured that the new infrastructure blended seamlessly with the existing monumental view, maintaining the visual integrity of the area.
Ecological sensitivity: Located within a nature reserve, the project involved ecologists from the design phase onward. Trees were carefully relocated, and local wildlife - including fish, frogs, and bats - was safely moved to nearby habitats.