The A16 De Groene Boog motorway project in Rotterdam has reached a key milestone with the issuance of its Completion Certificate, marking the end of construction and the start of long-term operation.
Completing a missing link in Rotterdam’s ring road
On 1 April 2026, the De Groene Boog consortium received the Completion Certificate for the A16 motorway extension, formally marking the end of the construction phase of this large-scale infrastructure project in the Rotterdam region. Delivered under a Design, Build, Finance and Maintain (DBFM) contract on behalf of Rijkswaterstaat, the project was realised by a strong consortium including BESIX, Dura Vermeer, Van Oord, Rebel and TBI. The certificate confirms that the maintenance and exploitation phase can commence.
The extension of the A16 creates a new connection between the existing A16 and the A13, motorways completing a missing link in the Rotterdam’s ring road. By diverting traffic, it improves traffic flow, accessibility and liveability in north‑eastern Rotterdam, Lansingerland and the wider region.
BESIX’s contribution within an integrated DBFM approach
As one of the core construction partners, BESIX contributed its expertise in complex civil engineering and integrated project delivery. The company played an active role in the realisation of key structures, including viaducts and tunnel sections, working in close coordination with consortium partners throughout the DBFM process.
This integrated contract model combines construction with long-term responsibility for performance and availability. Following the issuance of the Completion Certificate, BESIX will remain involved during the operation and maintenance phase, which will continue until 2044.
Sustainability embedded in design and execution
Sustainability has been a defining principle of the A16 from the earliest design stages. The project includes the Netherlands’ first fully energy-neutral road tunnel, achieved through energy-efficient installations, smart design choices and on-site renewable energy generation.
Solar panels supply electricity, while residual heat is stored in the ground and released when needed. Natural daylight is maximised through grilles and fibreglass panels, supported by efficient LED lighting. Light-coloured surfaces at tunnel entrances enhance reflection and safety, contributing to an overall energy saving of 47 percent.
BESIX teams actively contributed to design and engineering decisions aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions, limiting environmental impact and integrating the motorway carefully into both urban areas and surrounding landscapes.
Building in a dense urban environment
The construction works took place in a densely built and heavily trafficked environment, close to existing motorways and residential neighbourhoods. Innovative construction methods were applied to minimise disruption and maintain traffic flow, including the incremental launching of two 400‑metre viaducts over the Terbregseplein.
Safety, quality and environmental performance remained central throughout the works, despite challenges such as COVID‑19 restrictions and evolving technical requirements.
With the transition from construction to long-term operation and maintenance, the A16 De Groene Boog stands as a strong reference for integrated mobility projects that address urbanisation, sustainability and infrastructure renewal, while delivering tangible benefits for road users and local communities.
“With the completion of the A16 De Groene Boog, we are delivering much more than a new stretch of motorway,” says Nic De Roeck, General Manager of BESIX Europe. “This project shows how complex infrastructure can be realised in a constrained urban setting while meeting ambitious sustainability targets. Through the DBFM approach, BESIX remains closely involved to ensure reliable performance for decades to come.”