Widening the Droespolderweg cable and pipeline corridor
The port of Rotterdam has many cables and pipelines. The pipeline corridor parallel to Droespolderweg in Rozenburg is part of the so-called ‘backbone’ or principal structure that runs through the entire port area. Construction of the Rotterdam Hydrogen Network and the Porthos CO2 pipeline means the pipeline corridor is now completely full. This is a problem for the energy and raw materials transition and the further development of the Port Industrial Complex (PIC).
What is going to happen?
We are widening the existing cable and pipeline corridor along the Droespolderweg. This involves excavating part of the northern side of the old railway embankment. In the new situation, this provides eight meters of free space for future cables and pipelines. Solving the space problem at this location will contribute to the energy transition for the future.
Noise barrier
The noise barrier will be temporarily removed during excavation of the railway embankment. This means that more noise from the A15 and the port area could be experienced temporarily. The noise barrier will be cleaned – all graffiti removed – and later replaced. After installation, the noise barrier will once again be covered with a mix of different climbing plants.
Removal of former railway viaduct
A former railway viaduct lies between the two slopes to be excavated. The railway viaduct crosses the exit from the A15 highway exit and the access road to the Caland Bridge. The railway viaduct has no function since the port railway was rerouted to the Theemsweg line. That is why this railway viaduct is to be removed.
When is it going to happen?
| Activities | Period |
|---|---|
| Execution of the work | April – December 2025 |
| Planting new trees | Autumn 2025, leading into winter 2026 |
Replanting trees
The trees that used to stand on the railway embankment were felled in 2023. After the work is completed, new trees will be planted on the modified railway embankment. We use a mix of trees, woodland landscaping and grass for replanting. We expect the new trees to be planted in late 2025 or early 2026.
Sustainability
This project uses sustainable measures, such as the reuse of materials. The noise barrier will be reused and the excess soil from the railway embankment is stored and used for another project. We plant more greenery than we cut down. By replanting trees and planting woodland landscaping, we will make Rozenburg and the port area greener. This is good for biodiversity.