Rijkswaterstaat: Building bridges beyond borders
In its ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation, Rijkswaterstaat made a promising trip to Norway from 22 to 24 May. This was not just a visit, but a powerful reminder of Rijkswaterstaat’s ambition to strengthen international cooperation.
The main focus of this delegation was to gain and share in-depth knowledge of research and advances in bridge technology, with a particular focus on the remarkable E39 coastal motorway.
Unlocking mutual potential: Norway and Rijkswaterstaat
Both the Netherlands and Norway face a shortage of skilled workers in infrastructure management and construction. This common challenge provides an excellent platform for mutual learning. The collaboration was particularly enriched by the presence of Anne Nuijten. She used to work in Norway and recently joined Rijkswaterstaat.
Her familiarity with Norway and her connections served as a catalyst for the exchange of knowledge, especially in bridge technology.
The synergy between the two nations was evident when Rijkswaterstaat expressed a keen interest in Norway’s pioneering project – the E39 coastal road. It includes the world’s longest floating bridge across the Bjørnafjord and is a testament to Norway’s forward-thinking approach.
The country’s holistic strategy, involving partnerships with universities, research institutes and engineering companies, demonstrates its innovative strength. This partnership promises to generate innovative infrastructural projects, which will provide an economic boost for the region as well.
Engineering the future: joint aspirations in infrastructure
Rijkswaterstaat’s visit to Norway underlined the mutual benefits that both countries stand to benefit from. While Norway acts as a model of how to turn challenges into opportunities, Rijkswaterstaat was equally interested in learning about its expertise in managing heavy traffic on bridges and other infrastructure nuances.
The future holds promise with both nations expecting to deepen their cooperation, especially in the field of bridge technology.