Project Portfolio

Double-Layer Tunnel Maastricht

For many decades, the A2 motorway ran straight through Maastricht at ground level, dividing the city in two. This was, of course, an undesirable situation. Yet it took many years before the problem was actually addressed. Ultimately, this resulted in the construction of a unique double-layer tunnel. The roof of the tunnel will be developed as a park to reunite the two halves of the city. Hans Grabandt contributed during the tender phase, working on the winning design on the contractor’s side.

The Hanzelijn is a 50 km new railway line connecting Lelystad and Zwolle, featuring crossings with existing infrastructure, a rail tunnel under Lake Drontermeer, adjustments to major highways (A6, N50/A50), and a new railway bridge over the IJssel in Zwolle. As one of the first major D&C contracts in the Netherlands, this project set a benchmark for large-scale infrastructure tendering.

Hanzelijn

The Hanzelijn is the new railway line between Lelystad and Zwolle: a 50 km rail connection with crossing infrastructure, a rail tunnel under Lake Drontermeer, modifications to the A6 near Lelystad and the N50/A50 near Kampen, construction of a new railway bridge over the IJssel in Zwolle, and adjustments to the railway junction at Zwolle. Hans Grabandt was responsible for contract preparation, contracting, and execution of several subcontracts, including the Kampen–Zwolle section and the new IJssel railway bridge. These were among the first major D&C contracts ever tendered in the Netherlands.

The A4 project involved the widening of the motorway between Burgerveen Junction and Leiden, one of the busiest traffic corridors in the Randstad region. Key works included the construction of a second aqueduct under the Haarlemmermeer ring canal and a sunken section near Leiden to improve traffic flow and reduce environmental impact. Hans Grabandt played a crucial role as Technical Manager during the execution phase, ensuring seamless integration of engineering disciplines, contract requirements, and on-site delivery. His contribution was essential in completing this high-profile infrastructure upgrade successfully.

A4 Burgerveen – Leiden

The A4 Burgerveen – Leiden project involved widening the A4 motorway between the Burgerveen interchange and Leiden, building a second aqueduct under the Haarlemmermeer ring canal, and creating a sunken section near Leiden. Hans Grabandt carried out the Technical Management during the execution phase.

To improve traffic flow around the southwest of Leeuwarden, the old route via secondary roads was replaced with a new 2x2 motorway connection. This major upgrade reduced congestion, improved regional accessibility, and enhanced road safety. Hans Grabandt contributed during the contract preparation phase, providing technical management that ensured the project’s requirements were clearly defined and effectively integrated into the tender process. His role was key in laying the groundwork for a smooth execution of this vital infrastructure project.

N31, Leeuwarden Bypass

The southwest connection of Leeuwarden used to run via secondary roads. This situation was replaced by a new 2×2 motorway. Hans Grabandt provided technical management during the contract preparation phase, ensuring the project was set up with clear requirements.

As part of the expansion and renovation of the Schiphol – Amsterdam – Almere corridor, the A9 Gaasperdammerweg was widened to 11 lanes. A highlight of the project is a 3 km land tunnel, designed to reduce noise, improve air quality, and reconnect neighborhoods previously divided by the motorway. Hans Grabandt was responsible for the contract preparation phase, including Systems Engineering, drafting of requirements specifications, and coordination of civil engineering disciplines. His expertise ensured a clear technical framework and smooth execution for this complex infrastructure upgrade.

A9 Gaasperdammerweg

As part of the expansion and renovation of the Schiphol – Amsterdam – Almere corridor, the A9 Gaasperdammerweg is being widened to 11 lanes. Between the rail crossing with the Amsterdam–Utrecht line and the bridge over the Gaasp, a 3 km land tunnel will be constructed. Hans Grabandt carried out the contract preparation, including Systems Engineering, drafting of requirements specifications, and coordination of the civil engineering disciplines.

The Rijnland Route is a new east–west road link between Katwijk, the A44, and the A4 south of Leiden. A centerpiece of the project is a bored tunnel connecting the A4 and A44, designed to improve regional accessibility and reduce traffic congestion. Hans Grabandt provided design optimization, merging fragmented sketches into a coherent and practical plan. His work not only improved the overall design but also delivered savings of more than €15 million, proving the added value of strong technical and contract management in complex infrastructure projects.

Rijnland Route

The Rijnland Route is the new east–west connection between Katwijk, the A44, and the A4 south of Leiden, featuring a bored tunnel between the A4 and A44. Hans Grabandt performed a design optimization, merging a preliminary design of loosely connected parts into a coherent whole. This also resulted in savings of more than €15 million.

Weirs and Locks

Weirs and locks are vital structures for water level management and have been in use in the Netherlands for centuries. What is new is that the replacement of multiple weirs and the renovation of locks are now being tendered under E&C and D&C contracts. With his extensive expertise in this field, Hans Grabandt took the lead in introducing these contract forms at Waterschap Hollandse Delta for this type of project.

Buitenring Parkstad Limburg

To improve accessibility in the Parkstad region, a new 2×2 motorway is being constructed, starting from the A76 near Nuth, around Brunssum, across the Brunssumerheide, through Kerkrade, and back to the A76. Hans Grabandt is acting as Project Control Manager, responsible for financial management, scheduling, and risk and quality management of the project.

(Each section describes Hans Grabandt’s role in design, contract preparation, execution, and technical management of large-scale projects.)