The municipality of Tilburg has asked Heijmans to replace a significant section of the sewer system in that city. The municipality is currently running a special tendering procedure for this project, which will be published today on Tenderned. This contract for the area around IJpelareweg in Tilburg-Noord represents an estimated revenue value of € 45 million for Heijmans.
Sinkholes due to heavy rainfall
Heavy rainfall in the autumn of 2023 led to high groundwater levels and subsidence in Tilburg-Noord, resulting in sinkholes. In January 2024, IJpelareweg was hit by a disaster triggered by the subsidence of a sewer pipe leading to the city’s water treatment plant. Heijmans was already involved in finding a solution for this problem. Following the disaster, the city organised additional inspections on the sewer system in the immediate vicinity.
These inspections revealed that several concrete transport sewers in various locations had been seriously damaged by biochemical corrosion and the influx of sand, increasing the risk of collapse. Any such collapse would cut off homes and businesses from the sewer system. A total of approximately 7,400 metres of pipeline has been seriously damaged. The proximity of gas, water, and oil pipelines increases the safety risks.
Special tendering procedure
In view of these safety risks, Tilburg is conducting a special tendering procedure for immediate contracting. This procedure was created for urgent situations such as this. Tilburg is dividing the contract into two lots, one of which, the IJpelareweg lot, will be awarded to Heijmans. This is partly based on Heijmans’ previous involvement in that area. The final award is expected within 25 days. Work will start in a so-called construction team together with the client. Once that phase is complete, it will be clear how long the work will take.
Martijn van de Koolwijk
Spokesperson