Vélizy-Villacoublay, 3 September 2026
18:10

Press release

Eiffage wins the contract to build two steel structures part of the new Merwede Bridge in the Netherlands

Eiffage, through Iemants (part of Smulders, Eiffage Métal’s Belgian subsidiary), has secured the contract to build an arch structure and a moveable structure for the new West Merwede Bridge in the Netherlands, part of the A27 Houten – Hooipolder project. This contract was awarded by ALSÉÉN – a consortium comprising the construction firms Ballast Nedam and Fluor – on behalf of the Rijkswaterstaat, the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.

The existing Merwede Bridge is located near Gorinchem on the A27 motorway – one of the country’s main north-south routes. The project to modernise this motorway between the town of Houten and junction Hooipolder includes replacement of the bridge spanning the Merwede River. This will improve traffic flows and enhance safety, as well as ensuring a long-term connection for passenger and goods traffic using this crucial corridor.

The contract centres on construction of the new West Bridge. The specificity of this operation lies in the fact that it includes a steel arch section of 258 metres long, and a movable part of 53 metres.

Iemants is responsible for the engineering, manufacturing, delivery, assembly and installation of the two structures. The main arch section – which represents around 7,400 tonnes of steel – and the movable section weighing approximately 840 tonnes, will be manufactured at our Eiffage Group facilities in Arendonk, Balen and Hoboken or Vlissingen. Fabrication of the bridge components, assembled on site near the Gorinchem Bridge, started in June 2026. The work is scheduled for completion in 2030.

This large-scale project highlights Eiffage’s expertise in complex steel engineering structures and its ability to manage European-level infrastructure projects. It also strengthens Eiffage Métal’s position as a key player in this market.

About Eiffage

Eiffage is a European leader in construction, property, energy services and concessions. Established in the major European markets, the Group aspires to be a key player in the environmental transition, energy sovereignty and sustainable mobility while actively contributing to creating the cities and infrastructure of tomorrow. Thanks to the experience of more than 87,000 employees, Eiffage generated revenue of €25.3 billion in 2025, of which almost 36% was outside France.

www.eiffage.com

About Eiffage Métal

Eiffage Métal is a market leader in turnkey metal construction with a peerless network of manufacturing facilities across Europe. Renowned for its ability to create large-scale structures combining technical sophistication and innovation, Eiffage Métal is highly active in the renewable energies market, in particular wind and nuclear, as well as engineering structures, building shells and facades. With 19 production sites and assembly workshops in Europe, Eiffage Métal is established in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. Thanks to the efforts of its 3,450 employees, Eiffage Métal generated revenue of €1.7 billion in 2025.

www.eiffagemetal.com

About Iemants, part of Smulders

Iemants, part of Smulders, is a partner in delivering technically complex steel structures. From bridges and industrial installations to architectural projects, every project requires a tailored approach and in-depth expertise. Across its European sites, Iemants combines engineering, production and on-site execution to deliver projects from start to finish. As part of the Eiffage Group, the company brings together its specialist expertise and the strength of an international group. This is how Iemants helps create sustainable solutions for infrastructure and industry.

https://www.smulders.com/

Press contact

Emma Lortsch
Tel: +33 1 71 59 51 02
emma.lortsch@eiffage.com