Interview | Construction work Hoogezand - Zuidbroek

In September, we will organise walk-in meetings about the upcoming railway works between Hoogezand and Zuidbroek. During these meetings, we will share detailed information about what exactly will happen, where and when work will take place, and what the consequences are for the surrounding area. Marten Slagter, construction manager at ProRail, and Timo van Dijk, project manager at contractor Gebroeders De Koning B.V., provide insight into the implementation of this project.

Ongoing track work

No trains will run from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November due to the works. ‘In Sappemeer during this period, we are installing sheet piling and carrying out groundwork; we are widening the track and moving a ditch,’ Timo explains. In Zuidbroek, we are also installing sheet pile walls and vibrating steel sections into the ground.’ These interventions are essential to increase the speed of trains between Hoogezand and Zuidbroek.

Timo van Dijk, projectleider bij Gebroeders De Koning B.V.
Timo van Dijk, project manager at Gebroeders De Koning B.V.

Day and night

The work will take place both during the day and at night. Marten explains: ‘To keep the period without trains as short as possible, we also work at night. In Sappemeer, we focus mainly on daytime and evening, but in Zuidbroek we work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.’

Nuisance

The works cause inconvenience. ‘The railway crossing Kleinemeersterstraat in Sappemeer will be closed to traffic for 9 days, forcing residents to take a different route. In addition, people may experience noise from heavy machinery and vibrations,’ Timo says. ‘In addition, we will start preparations as early as Monday 9 September, such as setting up temporary work roads, a depot area and moving cables and pipes.’

Marten Slagter, bouwmanager bij ProRail
Marten Slagter, construction manager at ProRail

Safety

Strict security measures are taken to protect the environment. Marten explains: ‘The work areas are well shielded to prevent machines from getting too close to homes. We also take traffic measures to ensure safe transport to and from the construction sites.’

Cooperation and communication

ProRail and Gebroeders De Koning B.V. are working closely together to complete the work within the set schedule. Marten and Timo are on site every day to monitor progress and make adjustments where necessary. Residents are actively kept informed. ‘For residents, we are developing a construction app that informs them daily about construction progress,’ says Timo. Residents will be informed about this during meetings and after 4 September, the app can also be downloaded from the website. For questions, comments or complaints about the work, residents can contact ProRail. 

Walk-in meetings

On Wednesday 4 and Tuesday 10 September, we will organise walk-in meetings for residents of Hoogezand-Sappemeer and Zuidbroek. Residents living within 300 metres of the works have received a letter about this. During the meetings, residents can ask specific questions about noise, vibrations, the work and the planning. Experts from both ProRail and the contractor will be present to answer all questions.

Walk-in meeting Hoogezand

  • Wednesday 4 September
  • 17.00 - 19.30 hrs.
  • Wijkcentrum De Kern, Rembrandtlaan 72a in Hoogezand

Walk-in meeting Zuidbroek

  • Tuesday 10 September
  • 17:00 - 19:30
  • Dorpscentrum De Broeckhof-Haan, W.A. Scholtenweg 18 in Zuidbroek

Registration is not necessary.