Expanding and raising of bridges in order to improve navigation conditions

We know that the condition of bridges and viaducts must answer the requirements of developing traffic loads. However, also the infrastructure below the bridge develops and generates requirements for that bridge. As a result, the existing clearance below the bridge may need to be heightened or widened. This paper presents three bridge adaptation and reconstruction projects in the Netherlands, which have resulted in heightening and widening of the navigation clearance below existing bridges. Inland navigation – carrying cargo, passengers or just recreational – constitutes an important branch of the Dutch economy. Additionally, the discussed projects comprised substantial improvements of technical condition, which extended the service life of the structures.