Widening of the N279 north ‘s-Hertogenbosch / Veghel

March 6, 2015

The construction combination known as 'De Vaart', comprising Dura Vermeer, Ploegam and Van den Biggelaar, has won the commission in a European tendering procedure by the Province of North Brabant, for the design and realisation of the widening from 2 to 4 traffic lanes of the N279 north ‘s-Hertogenbosch / Veghel.

In the European tendering procedure the Province of North Brabant opted for the innovative performance and for the method based on aiming for best values, the so-called Best Value Procurement, the BVP approach. This method is used for seeking the best Contractor (the Expert), who will accomplish the contract in conformity with the project objectives, with a maximum usage of opportunities and a maximum reduction of risks.
In its tender De Vaart combination has recognised the importance of fitting the roadway into the distinctive bocage (a rustic woodland and pasture terrain) and has committed itself to its performance claims and opportunities.
As part of the De Vaart combination project team, MTD landschapsarchitecten has been involved in the tendering process right from the very beginning. With verifiable performances in previous projects in the field of infrastructure, it has shown how such a blending-in with the landscape can be implemented.

With the widening of the N279 between ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Veghel the roadway will be safer, the through-flow will improve and the rat-run traffic through adjacent villages will reduce. In addition, with a widening of the provincial road, the province is striving towards a sustainable solution within the landscape and a stronger perception of the Aa River running alongside it. The integrated approach will also include the redevelopment of the ‘Dynamic Hersend and Aaveld stream valley’. In this sub-project by the Aa and Maas Water Board, the Aa will be able to meander once again between Heeswijk and Berlicum. There will be pools, strolling pathways and bicycle paths, and the route and road signs from the adapted N279 towards Heeswijk castle will be improved.

Within the De Vaart combination project team MTD landschapsarchitecten is particularly responsible for the blending-in of the N279 into the landscape, the redevelopment of the stream valley, and the architectural styling of the engineering structures spanning across the roadway, and the South Willemsvaart and Aa waterways.

The large-scale renovation of the N279 north is expected to last until the end of 2017. As from April progress can also be monitored via the special website, Facebook and Twitter.