Amstelveen INZICHT #4 - June 2019 (UK)

VOLUME 03 - JUNE 2019

‘WORKING FOR 6 W E E K S , 7 D AY S A WEEK AND 1 6 H O U R S P E R D AY ’ In the word s of S h a r i ta Ra mla kha n, VI TA L (Amstelve e nlijn ) A N AT T R A C T I V E S TA D S H A R T Entra nce to thea tr e on the City Sq u a r e I N C O N V E R S AT I O N 5 X H ow d o y ou fee l a b o ut t he cha nge s of f p ub l i c t r ansp or t?

Michiel Otto, GVB bus driver

‘The residents of Amstelveen are a pleasant and polite crowd’ www.AmstelveenInZicht.nl

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P R E FA C E

ELS DE CANNIÈRE

ROLLING UP OUR SLEEVES TOGETHER Every week I run from Amsterdam Zuid station to the Strawinskylaan to jump in the bus or tram to Amstelveen. Do I go for speed with bus 55? Or will I go on a sightseeing trip with tram 5 to see the construction site at Kronenburg and Zonnestein? One thing is for sure, I’m going to spot the construction of the renewed tram line.

Since last summer, I’ve been working as a communication advisor for the Amstelveenlijn project, which is converting the former express tram 51 into a high-quality and reliable tram connection between Amstelveen Westwijk and Amsterdam Zuid station. A cool and enormous project that is now in full swing along the entire track. I always stare in fascination at the sites near Kronenburg and Zonnestein. So much activity. It’s difficult to imagine the cityscape without the cranes, construction workers and yellow detour signs. It’s absolutely buzzing.

We’ve already had four weekend suspensions and the summer hasn’t even started yet. And all this while the shop of Amstelveen remains open.

We’re placing a severe strain on the residents with all the disturbance a construction project like this involves. Together with my colleagues at environment and communication, I’ll be kicking things up a notch to have letters to residents

OPENING HOURS AMSTELVEEN INZICHT Wednesday: 12.00 - 17.00

Experts Amstelveenlijn and Stadshart present Thursday: 12.00 - 17.00

Experts A9 present until 17.00 Friday: 12.00 - 17.00 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month: 12.00 - 17.00 020 - 540 48 98 WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW T MORE? E inzicht@amstelveen.nl Stadsplein 103 W amstelveeninzicht.nl 1181 ZM Amstelveen Twitter.com/AveenInZicht

Facebook.com/AmstelveenInZicht

delivered on time and to post messages in the Amstelveens Nieuwsblad and on the website.

We don’t only send. We also go out into the neighbourhoods during our information evenings and talk to residents. The residents of Amstelveen have no trouble reaching us by phone, email and online. A phone call can quickly eliminate a lot of confusion and irritation through personal attention, explaining the situation, giving advice or examining possibilities. In case of specific reports or complaints, we also visit in person to examine the situation up close.

We also reverse the rolls and ask residents for advice during the Implementation Supervision Committee (Begeleiding Commissie Uitvoering - BCU). Several members of the BCU recently inspected the yellow detour signs together with traffic experts from the municipality and the contractor. Some signs will be repositioned following their input. We’re rolling up our sleeves together.

The InZicht Experience Centre contains a wealth of information. Would you like the schedule for bus 55 or 45, do you have a question about one of the large construction projects in Amstelveen, would you like to know more about the summertime suspensions, would you like to report something? Do make sure to visit this centre and be amazed!

Els de Cannière Communications advisor Amstelveenlijn els.de.canniere@amsterdam.nl AMSTELVEEN INZICHT 3

CONTENTS

10

14

18

03

P R E FA C E Els de Cannière, Amstelveenlijn

06

INZICHT What’s going to happen?

08

C O V E R S T O R Y - Amstelveenlijn Interview with GVB bus driver Michiel Otto

10

I N D E V E L O P M E N T - Stadshart From beautiful Stadshart to lively city centre

12

I N D E V E L O P M E N T - Amstelveenlijn Ineke and Erik think with contractor VITAL

13

I N D E V E L O P M E N T - Stadshart Martijn van Oort talks about a safer Keizer Karelplein

14

I N D E V E L O P M E N T - A9 An update from traffic manager Bert Jan Zandhuis

16

INZICHT How do the people of Amstelveen notice the changes?

18

I N D E V E L O P M E N T - Amstelveenlijn A summer of construction with Sharita Ramlakhan

Colophon Amstelveen InZicht magazine is a publication by ZUIDMEDIA and appears twice a year commissioned by Amstelveen InZicht. Amstelveen InZicht is an initiative of the municipality of Amstelveen, the Directorate General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat), Metro and Tram (city of Amsterdam) and the Amsterdam Transport Region.

For more information: www.amstelveeninzicht.nl

ZUIDMEDIA Van Eeghenstraat 94-3 1071 GL Amsterdam 020 - 218 22 51 www.zuid-media.nl

Would you like to advertise in Amstelveen InZicht?

Call or email La Toya Ramsahai via latoya@zuid-media.nl

AMSTELVEEN INZICHT 5

R e n e wi ng A m s te lveen : this is w hat’s going to happen

INZICHT

A LO T W I L L B E HA PP EN IN G IN A N D A ROU N D AMSTE LV E E N O V E R T HE C O MI N G YE A R S . T H E A 9 W IL L B E W ID EN E D TO R E D UC E TH E NUMBE R O F TR A FFI C J A M S , L IN E 51 W IL L B E CO N V E RTE D IN TO A T RAM L I NE A ND T H E S TA D S H A RT W IL L A L S O BE TAC KLE D TO MAKE IT E V E N M O R E AT T RA C T IVE F OR RES ID ENTS, BUSIN E SSE S AND VI SI TO R S. WE L IS T T H E B IG G ES T D EVEL O P ME N TS AN D MILE STO N E S.

3rd quarter of 2019 2nd quarter of 2020

Expansion of fly-over at Ouderkerkerlaan-Beneluxbaan

Now 1st quarter of 2020 Beginning of realisation of setup site

Note: The schedule is subject to change.

6 AMSTELVEEN INZICHT

The Stadshart is due for renewal and improvement. A new theatre in the City Square and a freshfood market are some of the possibilities offered by theSpatial Development of the Stadshart Concept. The proposal also lays down the scope for owners such as Unibail-Rodamco and a.s.r. to set up their plans. The aim is to create an appealing city centre, where the functions of living, shopping, restaurants and cafés, culture and work give each other a boost. Because the Stadshart is a place for every resident of Amstelveen.

2019 – 2022 Renewal of Rembrandtweg Renewal of Stadsplein

2021 Beginning of construction Pathé theatre

1st quarter of 2020 Traffic-control measures Oranjebaan

2021 - 2022 The traffic will be shifted to the current northern lane for the construction of a wider southern lane

1st half of 2020 Beginning of construction work on A9: the first spade hits the ground!

Now 1st quarter of 2020

15 to 17 June 2019 weekend suspension of tram 5

Conversion of Amstelveen line and construction of three junction fly-overs

14 July to 25 August 2019 Large-scale construction works during summertime suspension of tram 5 and 6

INZICHT

The Directorate General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) is going to expand the A9 from three to four lanes per direction between the Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht interchanges and make a track change. The work on the A9 is part of the Schiphol-Amsterdam-Almere road expansion. The extra lanes improve traffic circulation, and with it the accessibility of the northern Randstad. The quality of life in the area will also be improved: at Amstelveen, the A9 is being deepened over a section of 1.3 kilometres, with three coverings: at Oude Dorp, the Stadshart and the Bovenlandpad (now the Kloostunnel).

At other places along the motorway, the Directorate General is constructing fourteen kilometres of baffle boards (noise reduction).

The work is expected to start in 2020.

2022 - 2024 Renewal of Meander + A9 connection

2023 - 2024 The traffic will be shifted to the current southern lane for the construction of a wider northern lane

2nd - 4th quarter of 2020 Buffer for any delayed building activities, test phase and start of the renewed Amstelveen line 31 December 2020 Final date for completion by main contractor VITAL

2024 - 2026 Completion of the BadhoevedorpHolendrecht project.

The first cars will drive on the widened A9

1st quarter of 2021 Finalization of the project

Express tram 51 is being converted into a safe and reliable tram connection between Amstelveen Westwijk and Amsterdam Zuid station. There will be three junction fly-overs, a setup site and new trams with lowlevel entries and exits. Four stops will be cancelled and two will be joined to one single stop at a new location.

All other stops with be renewed. Tram 5 will also benefit from the renewal between Zuid and Stadshart.

The Amsterdam Transport Region is the commissioning principal. Metro and Tram of the city of Amsterdam is the supervisor of the implementation.

VITAL is the main contractor. The project will be implemented between 2017 and 2021.

CONSTRUCTION DAY ON 15 JUNE!

BE THERE!

During Construction Day on Saturday 15 June, there will be all kinds of things to do for young and old from 12.00 to 17.00 at Amstelveen InZicht, in the City Square and at various construction sites in Amstelveen.

Amstelveen InZicht • Puzzle scavenger hunt and colouring for a free ice cream • ‘InZicht talks’ with interesting presentations about the projects • Starting point for A9 and Amstelveenlijn bicycle excursions and visit to parking deck near Up Mountain • Experience the new A9 and Amstelveenlijn with virtual reality Sportlaan construction site • A look at the VITAL site hut area and construction site every half hour • Advance registration via dagvandebouw@vitalinfra.nl required • Max. 250 spots available (full=full) Stadsplein • Amstelveen’s biggest sandbox with a sand artist and workshops • Blind spot training by VITAL • On a motorbike or in the Rijkswaterstaat car This Construction Day is brought to you by the Directorate General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat), the Amsterdam Transport Region, Metro and Tram Amsterdam, contractor VITAL and the municipality of Amstelveen.

You can find more information about the full Construction Day programme at www.amstelveeninzicht.nl.

AMSTELVEEN INZICHT 7

‘T H E R E S I D E N T S O F A M S T E LV E E N ARE APLEASANT AND POLITE CROWD’

8 AMSTELVEEN INZICHT

COVER STORY

THE RENEWED AMSTELVEENLIJN IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL AGAIN BY THE END OF 2020. UNTIL THAT TIME, BUS 55 WILL REPLACE THE FORMER EXPRESS TRAM 51. BUS 55 WILL ALSO RUN TOGETHER WITH SHUTTLE BUS 45 WHILE TRAM 5 IS OUT OF SERVICE FOR SIX WEEKS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS. WE CAUGHT UP WITH MICHIEL OTTO, GVB (MUNICIPAL TRANSPORT SERVICE) BUS DRIVER ON BOTH LINES.

F O R H O W L O N G H AV E Y O U H A D T H I S J O B ?

“I’ve been a bus driver for two years now. Before that I worked as a manager in retail. At a certain point I decided that I didn’t want to be stuck inside any more, I wanted to feel more free and be around people more. I have all that now.”

W H AT M A K E S I T S O E N J O YA B L E ?

“Within the GVB, I drive on all lines which always brings me to different places in the city. Every day is different and I like to talk and joke with passengers. I like the varied driving times; a 9-to-5 job isn’t for me. As a driver, you’re also your own boss in a way. Driving safely and on time, and a comfortable ride for passengers are the top priorities, but within the frameworks, you can organize your work in a really nice way.”

HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THE TEMPORARY BUS TRANSPORT?

“There was an information session during which the instructor explained the route. A project manager from GVB was also present that afternoon to talk about Amstelveen and the importance of this temporary public transport plan. Afterwards I was instructed on the route through Amstelveen, without passengers, to explore the bus route together. Everything was addressed: from potential bottlenecks and dangerous spots to where the schools and the hospital are.”

“THERE WAS AN INFORMATION

SESSION DURING WHICH THE INSTRUCTOR EXPLAINED THE ROUTE.”

HOW DID YOU MASTER THE ROUTE?

“In my free time I drove the route again by car.

During the training session you’re in the bus with four other people, so you’re a bit distracted.

You’re more focused when you’re alone in the car. Of course I wanted to avoid driving in the wrong direction with 100 people on board.

The bus is twenty metres long and weighs sixteen tons, you can’t just turn it around!”

HOW DO YOU LIKE BUS 55 SO FAR ?

“I think it’s a very nice ride. It’s also much less hectic than other routes that I’ve driven, for example in the Amsterdam city centre.

I also think the residents of Amstelveen are a friendly crowd. People always pay promptly, they’re polite, and greet you nicely. Line 45 is also very nice to drive. In short, I feel completely at home.”

AMSTELVEEN INZICHT 9

From beautiful stadshart

T O L I V E LY CITY CENTRE

A PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, SHOP AND MEET UP: THE STADSHART HAS ALL THE POTENTIAL TO BE A PLACE WHERE EVERY RESIDENT OF AMSTELVEEN FEELS AT HOME. ARJAN VAN RIJN, STADSHART PROGRAMME MANAGER WITH THE MUNICIPALITY, PROVIDES AN UPDATE.

10 AMSTELVEEN INZICHT

INDEVELOPMENT

F E E L I N G AT H O M E It’s clear to Arjan that it’s important for Amstelveen to keep developing the Stadshart. “We have a beautiful Stadshart, but it could be a bit more lively. The goal is to turn it into an attractive city centre where all residents of Amstelveen feel at home. Whether you’re a resident, entrepreneur or visitor: it has be a nice place where you enjoy spending time.”

A R R I VA L O F H U D S O N ’ S B A Y To liven up the square, the terraces have been expanded, but there’s more. On 14 March, Hudson’s Bay opened its doors in the former V&D building. “It’s a beautiful addition to the city. The building has a transparent appearance thanks to all the windows. A huge difference compared to the closed gravel tiles the building had before. The attractive makeover makes it pleasant to walk past this part of the Stadshart now. Residents also told us they’re pleased with it.”

U L T R A M O D E R N PA R K I N G Another spot that needed a thorough makeover was the parking garage behind Hudson’s Bay: “The new Q-Park Buitenplein is now finished and has 455 parking spots. It’s an ultramodern garage with wide parking spaces, electric charging stations and energy-saving LED lighting. The old garage was too cramped, made for the DAFs of the sixties. It’s also nice to be able to walk straight into the shops instead of having to go around.”

FA N O F L I V I N G The residential complex UpMountain rises up over the new parking garage, consisting of 45 owner-occupied apartments. “The apartments were in high demand, they were all sold. It’s good to have more apartments in the Stadshart, it contributes to the liveliness and social control on the streets. As such, we as a municipality are a fan of living above shops. In the coming years we’ll focus on providing more owner-occupied and rental housing, especially in the mid-priced segment.”

GOING TO THE MOVIES The plans to build a theatre have been around for a while, but now the time has finally come. “There was an information session for residents in April. They were able to enter into dialogue with the director of Pathé which was very much appreciated. Everyone is very enthusiastic about the arrival of the theatre, which is expected to be finished in 2022. To increase the liveliness of the Stadshart, the entrance to the cinema will be located on the City Square. All the visitors will enter the theatre through the square, with all the restaurants and cafes within reach.”

FINAL The reason that the Stadshart can now be fully developed is due to the finalisation of the A9 planning procedures. “This means that the Council of State has approved the deepening and widening of the A9, which runs right through Amstelveen. Now that we know for sure what’s happening with the A9, we can also further review the plans for the Stadshart.” The Spatial Development of the Stadshart Concept is in line with this: “For us this is still the framework for renewing the city centre. This includes the rearrangement of the market. It’s one of the best in the Netherlands and we’re proud of that. The market will continue to have a beautiful location on the City Square.”

AMSTELVEEN INZICHT 11

INC DO E VNETLAOCPTM E N T

THINKING ABOUT THE N E W A M S T E LV E E N L I J N GIVING FEEDBACK AND BEING INVOLVED IN WHAT’S GOING ON THE CITY: AMSTELVEEN RESIDENTS INEKE VEGTER AND ERIK VAN GELDER ARE HAPPY TO ACTIVELY CONTRIBUTE IDEAS. AS MEMBERS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION SUPERVISION COMMITTEE (BCU), THEY REGULARLY CONSULT WITH MAIN CONTRACTOR VITAL ABOUT THE RENEWAL OF THE AMSTELVEENLIJN.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SIGN UP?

“I live in Westwijk and use the Amstelveenlijn four times a week to get to work in Amsterdam. I saw an appeal in the newspaper and responded to it. I think it’s useful and important for inhabitants to be represented, so if you’re given that opportunity, you should take it,” says Ineke. Erik is mainly interested in staying informed about what’s going on: “I don’t use the Amstelveenlijn often, but I do use the crossings at the Beneluxlaan because our little one goes to school there. The junctions at Zonnestein and Kronenburg are still a crime at the moment, but they’ll be hugely improved soon.”

that our recommendations have led to better barriers around work sites or that the text on an information sign was changed.”

W H AT ’ S T H E A D D E D VA L U E O F A B C U ?

“For me, it’s the very practical discussion about an unsafe situation, for example. This is of course the contractor’s responsibility, but in practice, you sometimes miss things. It’s good that we’re here to monitor that process,” says Ineke.

Erik: “As a member, you’re more informed about things that are going on, so when local residents have questions, I’m happy to inform them.”

HOW OFTEN DO YOU GET TOGETHER AS THE BCU?

“We’ve gotten together four times now. The first time was in late 2018 and since then we see each other every month or so,” says Erik. “In the beginning it was mainly about explaining the plans,” adds Ineke. “Now that the implementation has begun, we see each other more often. We meet at the VITAL office in Amstelveen. Fieke Uitentuis, environmental manager at VITAL, leads the meetings and she does it well.”

W H AT D O Y O U D I S C U S S ?

“The meeting usually starts with a presentation of the timeline: where we are in the project, what’s being implemented at the moment and what’s going to happen in the coming period. The points raised by the attendees are also addressed. These could include a temporary cordon that causes traffic disturbance, or unclear signage. Our feedback is always taken into account,” according to Erik. Ineke agrees: “It’s a fact that the renewal of the Amstelveenlijn involves disturbance, but the goal is to limit this as much as possible. They do a good job of following up on suggestions from the BCU in this regard. When the bicycle lane near the international school was extended, the safety could be improved; now there’s a red-white barrier that’s also clearly visible in the dark.”

W H AT A R E Y O U R E X P E R I E N C E S S O FA R ?

“I think it’s going well and I feel like I’m being taken seriously. It’s good to consult with VITAL about things that can be improved,” says Ineke. Erik is also positive, but he has gradually adjusted his expectations: “A solution that sometimes seems very rational to us cannot always be achieved in practice, and you have to accept that. At the same time, it’s a good feeling when you see 12 AMSTELVEEN INZICHT

WHAT’S A BCU? An Implementation Supervision Committee (Begeleiding Commissie Uitvoering - BCU) is a group of people that share knowledge and experience, in this case about the renewal of the Amstelveenlijn. The BCU includes residents, contractors, employees of the municipality of Amstelveen, employees of the Amstelveenlijn project team and representatives of the main contractor VITAL. They regularly get together to discuss how things are going, and what could be done differently or better.

INDEVELOPMENT

SAFER KEIZER KARELPLEIN WITH B E T T E R T R A F F I C C I R C U L AT I O N A CONFUSING JUNCTION WHERE MORE ACCIDENTS OCCUR THAN IN THE REST OF THE CITY? TIME FOR ACTION! THE KEIZER KARELPLEIN WILL BE OVERHAULED SEVEN YEARS EARLIER THAN WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED. MARTIJN VAN OORT FROM THE ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF AMSTELVEEN IS LEADING THE WAY AS PROJECT LEADER.

NOT WAITING ANY LONGER The Keizer Karelplein is famous and infamous in Amstelveen: many (near) accidents take place on the busy traffic junction near the A9 and the Stadshart, and the traffic circulation leaves a lot to be desired. Martijn: “It’s a confusing junction where more accidents occur than in the rest of the city. The overhaul was actually scheduled for 2026, after the reconstruction of the A9, but the square is so unsafe that we didn’t want to wait any longer. The work has now started and everything will be finished by the end of July this year.”

DROPLET SHAPE When asked about better traffic circulation in the future, Martijn explains: “The Keizer Karelplein will become a kind of roundabout, but with fewer exits. On a real roundabout you can exit everywhere, but this will be shaped more like a droplet. You’ll later not be able to turn left onto the Keizer Karelweg from the Van der Hooplaan, but that wasn’t the case before either. We’re also improving the comfort for cyclists. There will be a bicycle street on the eastern side of the square and on the Van der Hooplaan. We’re widening the bicycle lanes and replacing the paving stones with asphalt. We’re building a roundabout on the Kastanjelaan-Lindenlaan junction, so that it’s safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Cyclists will have right of way and we’re adding a zebra crossing.”

SCHEDULE The work is divided into five phases. “The real traffic disruption will occur mainly during phase two and three when the Keizer Karelweg is closed, this will last till 05:00 on Monday 1 July. Only one lane will remain open for buses and emergency services. During this period, the Keizer Karelweg and Keizer Karelplein will be freshly asphalted, the traffic lights will be replaced and we’ll build the Kastanjelaan-Lindenlaan roundabout. We’ll make sure that the Van der Hooplaan always stays open during construction. We’ll build a temporary road there.”

DIVERSIONS As with any major roadworks, the construction will not go unnoticed.

“Contractor Ballast Nedam will do its very best to limit the disruption, but residents may experience noise and/or dust nuisance. There will also be diversions. The through traffic to and from the A9 will be diverted via the Beneluxbaan and the Bosrandweg. The local traffic will pass through the Molenweg, Amsterdamseweg, Handweg and vice versa. There’s also a diversion route via the Van der Hooplaan and Sportlaan. We don’t want to close down Amstelveen for too long, which means we will unfortunately have to work at night as well. It’s inconvenient, but it will be over sooner.”

CONTACT More information can be found at www.amstelveen.nl/keizerkarelplein or in the information corner of the InZicht experience centre. The drawings are also available for inspection here. Do you have any questions about the work?

Feel free to contact Gerben van den Hurk, environmental manager at Ballast Nedam, via amstelveen@ballast-nedam.nl or call 06-30427238.

AMSTELVEEN INZICHT 13

WITH MINIMUM DISRUPTION (RE)CONSTRUCTION ON THE A9 THERE’S A HUGE AMOUNT OF PREPARATION TO BE DONE BEFORE YOU EVEN NOTICE THE WORK ON THE A9. FROM INTELLIGENT CONSTRUCTION DESIGNS FOR SMOOTH AND SAFE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION, TO CONSULTING WITH THE SURROUNDING AREA AHEAD OF TIME.

W O R K I N G O N T H E M O T O R WAY

STRICT REQUIREMENTS

“There is indeed a lot involved,” says traffic manager Bert Jan Zandhuis.

He works on the projects A9 Gaasperdammerweg and A9 BadhoevedorpHolendrecht (A9 BAHO) for the Directorate General of Public Works and Water Management. Bert Jan supervises traffic safety and traffic circulation during the implementation of these projects. “We built the longest land tunnel in the Netherlands on the Gaasperdammerweg. This tunnel will be open for use after completing construction in 2020.” The work on the A9 Badhoevedorp-Holendrecht, A9 BAHO for short, will follow, which is part of the road expansion of the Schiphol-Amsterdam-Almere route. “We’re broadening the A9 between the Badhoevedorp and Holendrecht interchanges from three to four lanes per direction and making a track change. The A9 will have a deepened construction over a section of 1.3 kilometres along the centre of Amstelveen and three covers will be built.

We’ll also build fourteen kilometres of baffle boards.”

Which contractor will be carrying out the work on the A9 BAHO will be announced this autumn. “The project is still in the tendering phase. The market is challenged with submitting an intelligent design for the implementation.

The plans are subject to strict requirements.

For example, one condition is that there have to be as many lanes available during construction as in the initial situation, otherwise there is a high risk of traffic jams during rush hour. The lanes also have to remain wide enough.”

14 AMSTELVEEN INZICHT

INDEVELOPMENT

T E S T, T H E N I M P L E M E N T

TEAMWORK

The party that submits the plan with the best price-quality ratio will be crowned the winner. According to Bert Jan, multiple factors play a role in this: “We among other things look at limiting the disruption to the surrounding area and traffic. We test the latter on the basis of a calculation model which expresses the results in vehicle hours lost. One vehicle hour lost is equal to one vehicle stuck in traffic or delayed for one hour. The party that presents the fewest vehicle hours lost doesn’t win automatically, but does have an important advantage over the other parties. It’s ultimately about the big picture. We also look at whether the plan includes intelligent measures to limit the (noise) disturbance in the area.

Ultimately, a combination of construction companies, a so-called consortium, will carry out the construction work on the A9 BAHO. “At the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management we don’t say: ‘Go ahead and good luck’. We really pull up our sleeves together, with the contractor but also with municipalities and the province, for example.

Also when it comes to logistical challenges, such as the deepened construction of the A9 by Amstelveen, where part of the current motorway has to be extended. Smooth traffic circulation and the safety of road users and road workers are very important themes here.

Additionally, we want to minimize disturbance to the surrounding area. I’ll be entering into talks with the parties about this ahead of time. We can’t close off the A9 for the weekend without announcing this beforehand. For example, we’ll talk to road authorities, Schiphol airport and event venues about how to do this and when, and which measures will be taken for emergency services.

We’ll also look at how we can reduce the burden on local residents as much as possible. Every area is different, it’s a tailor-made approach.”

“ SMOOTH TRAFFI C C I R C U L ATI ON A N D T H E SAFETY OF RO AD U S ERS A N D R O A D WORKERS ARE IM PO RTA N T T H EM ES . ”

MORE INFORMATION For more information and updates, visit Bezoekerscentrum.rijkswaterstaat.nl

AMSTELVEEN INZICHT 15

I N C O N V E R S AT I O N S i n c e 3 M a r c h , m e t r o 5 1 d o e s n ’ t r u n t o We s t w i j k a n y m o r e . I n f a c t , t h e m e t r o s k i p s A m s t e l v e e n e n t i r e l y. T h i s i s a p i t y o f c o u r s e , b u t i t d o e s ensure that work can take place on a new line: the Amstelveenlijn. This modern tram line is intended to be the new reliable connection between A m s t e l v e e n a n d A m s t e r d a m , b u t t h e r e ’s a l o t o f w o r k t o b e d o n e f i r s t .

How do the residents of Amstelveen feel about all this construction work a n d t h e c h a n g e s t o p u b l i c t r a n s p o r t ? We a s k e d p e o p l e i n t h e s t r e e t .

HOW DO ALL THE CHANGES TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AFFECT YOU? Text: Bas Beekman

LY D I A B U A M A “I come from the Bijlmer every day and get off at Oranjebaan, but this is unfortunately not possible any more. I don’t mind the bus too much, I feel like it runs a lot more frequently than the metro did. If there’s a good replacement for metro 51 in the future, I don’t mind having to take the bus for a while, it’s not a big problem for me.”

R O M A N O D U PA U “I do think it’s a pity that the metro is out of service. I live quite far away, so the metro was a good solution when it didn’t feel like cycling the whole way.

I haven’t used bus 55 yet, but I’m concerned that it takes a bit longer due to all the traffic. It’s not a straight line, of course. But if we get a better tram line in return, I think it’s worth the wait.

16 AMSTELVEEN INZICHT

I N C O N V E R S AT I O N

SANDER HOEK “I’m not too pleased that metro 51 isn’t running any more. They initially said that tram 5 would be running more often, but I haven’t really noticed this. It’s a bit irritating that if you miss one ride, you have to wait 8 minutes, whereas before it was only 4 minutes because both line 51 and line 5 stopped at Uilenstede.

If line 5 is also out of service during the summer holidays, I think I’ll have to move... no, just kidding. I’ll cycle to Zuid, it’s not too far from Uilenstede. I’ve never really been a fan of the bus.”

ASTRID DE BRUIJN “I live abroad now, but I still regularly visit Amstelveen. I think it’s a pity that the 51 is gone.

The metro went a bit further into Amstelveen than tram 5 does now, so that’s a bit of a loss.

I think buses could be a good solution, if they run on time, of course. I also think that it’s important to make it clear where and when they’re running, for the older residents of the city.

They don’t all have smartphones that they can use to look this up easily.”

R YA N M U L D E R S “I’ve been living in Amstelveen for about a month, and I didn’t know metro 51 was going to be out of service, so that was quite a surprise. So far it hasn’t been too much hassle, I have to walk a bit further, but bus 55 is fine for me. It runs frequently, so I can get everywhere easily.

People will always complain about a replacement line, but I think it’s a good solution for now.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACTS AND FIGURES During the construction of the new Amstelveenlijn, tram 5 will follow its regular schedule as much as possible, but this tram will also be affected by the construction work. Tram 5 will be out of service for six weeks over the summer holidays between Station Zuid and Stadshart. A huge amount of construction work will take place from 14 July to 26 August, which means this line will be temporarily out of service.

Bus 55 will temporarily pass through Amstelveen to replace metro

line 51. If there is construction work which prevents tram 5 from running, like during the summer holidays, a replacement bus will be deployed for this as well: shuttle bus 45.

A new tram has been running between Stadshart and Station Zuid since 27 May: tram 6. It supports tram 5 during rush hour because this part of the line is very busy. Tram 6 will run during the Amstelveenlijn project and won’t run when tram 5 isn’t running, for example.

More info at gvb.nl AMSTELVEEN INZICHT 17

R E N E WA L O F A M S T E L V E E N L I J N : ROLLING UP OUR SLEEVES THIS SUMMER! WORKING FOR SIX WEEKS, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK, SIXTEEN HOURS A DAY. IT’S NOT EXACTLY WHAT ONE WOULD ASSOCIATE WITH THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS. BUT THIS PRECISELY WHAT’S NEEDED TO RENEW THE AMSTELVEENLIJN . SHARITA RAMLAKHAN, DECOMMISSIONING COORDINATOR WITH MAIN CONTRACTOR VITAL, EXPLAINS WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN THIS SUMMER.

B I G O P E R AT I O N

From Sunday 14 July to Sunday 25 August, VITAL will be hard at work between the stops at Stadshart and De Boelelaan/VU. “From Monday through Sunday, we’ll work non-stop from 07:00 to 23:00, as well as a number of nightshifts. It’s going to be a big operation!”, says Sharita. The construction work is linked to the renewal of the Amstelveenlijn.

“This means tram 5 will be out of service for six weeks on the section between Station Zuid and Stadshart. The summertime 18 AMSTELVEEN INZICHT

suspension will begin on 14 July. Shuttle bus 45 will be deployed as a replacement.”

SUNKEN BASINS

It’s a busy programme: from the construction of concrete basins to further track renewal and the work on the stops between Stadshart and De Boelelaan/VU. “First we’ll build two sunken basins to split the levels of the Zonnestein and Kronenburg junctions.

To do this, the track will be broken up, we’ll dig to the level of the

INDEVELOPMENT

sunken basin, and carry out the concreting to make the floors.

When this is finished, the track will be reconstructed and line 5 will be able to run on it again from Monday 26 August.

However, the tram won’t be able to stop here yet because the stops at Kronenburg and Zonnestein still have to be completed.

Travellers can then use the temporary Biesbosch stop again.”

A R C H I T E C T U R A L LY

When the tram runs through the sunken basins, the surrounding work will not be finished yet. “This ‘tub’ has bare steel walls, so it needs an architectural finish. Part of the platform will have cladding with a copper look. Furthermore, both the platforms and the road section have to be fully set up, because the through traffic on the Beneluxbaan will also pass through the tunnel.”

Another big job is the arrival of two fly-overs. These are the road surfaces over the sunken basins for the oval-shaped roundabouts for traffic going into the suburbs. During the summertime suspension, one will already be built at Kronenburg. In addition to all the construction work in Amstelveen Noord, work will also be carried out on the Amstelveenlijn in Amstelveen Zuid, including on the Sportlaan.

VERY POSITIVE

The large-scale summer construction work requires tight coordination. Certainly if this means that tram 5 will be temporarily out of service. Sharita’s challenge is to coordinate the decommissioning of this line: “I draw up a roadmap which includes the tasks of all teams working on the ground, the track

or the road. I monitor the schedule and make sure everything is taken care of and is running smoothly.” When asked how it will affect the residents, Sharita says: “During the construction of the sunken basins at Kronenburg and Zonnestein, the Beneluxbaan will remain open, but with one fewer lane. The junctions around Kronenburg and Zonnestein will also be changed temporarily.

Public transport users can take replacement buses. People will of course notice that we’re working on the Amstelveenlijn; noise, dust, diversions and such are all part of the job, but we try to limit the nuisance where possible. We can see that everyone is well-informed which is very positive!”

FACTS & FIGURES •

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Each junction fly-over will require around 1,200 foundation piles and 300 anchors, nearly 2,000 tons of sheet pile walls and more than 1,500 tons of concrete reinforcement During the six weeks over the summer, 8.000 m³ of concrete will be poured per junction fly-over Over the last six months, 8 stops were demolished, 1 new stop was built, 2,200 metres of rails were renewed, 1493 sleepers were replaced and 8 switches were renewed AMSTELVEEN INZICHT 19

KOM 15 JUNI NAAR DE

Tijd: 12.00 tot 17.00 Locatie: Stadsplein 103

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