Initially, the municipality of Oude IJsselstreek wanted to have a new bridge developed from innovative materials. But when Jeroen Everaert sat down with René Plaggenburg of Dusseldorp Infra Demolition and Environmental Engineering, an entirely different plan emerged. Plaggenburg asked him to design a bridge with existing materials from the old bridge and other used materials. Jeroen’s advice was to combine this with the history of the area; it couldn’t be more sustainable. For Dusseldorp, a national company with roots in the Achterhoek, which recycles demolition material for high-quality reuse, of course a wonderful opportunity to put their vision into practice.
It was a great opportunity to put their vision into practice. Together with a number of specialised partners they pitched this plan to the municipality, which immediately saw the importance of it and agreed: the first bridge in the Oude IJsselstreek to be developed from a circular perspective.
Thus arose a partnership between technology, circular vision and artistic expertise. And that produces a wonderful result!
The new bridge is made up of old materials from various locations of origin. Local ‘raw materials’ have been used. The old bridge consisted mainly of wood and that appearance is preserved, but is upgraded by combining it with other materials.
For example, attention has been paid to the former local iron industry. In the vicinity of Ulft there was ore (iron-bearing soil) which was processed on site. The bridge is located in the northern part of Ulft nicknamed Oer…the Oer Bridge, that is. The role of iron in the history of the area is honored by the reuse of, among other things, a demolished pylon that stood next to the old bridge. The railings of the bridge will be made from this. The walking deck will be made of durable, resistant Accoya wood. Accoya is softwood treated with an environmentally friendly preservation technique that makes the soft wood hard and stable to the core. To compensate for the use of this new wood, a piece of land has been made available where young trees will be planted. So not only sustainable material, but also circular thinking: make what you use and use what you make.
The Oerbrug carries the history of Ulft, is circular, stimulates the local economy and will also be beautiful. The nature of the project arouses great enthusiasm among the client and the project partners and is widely supported. An icon to be proud of, that brings old and new together, connects two villages and builds a bridge to the future.