Circular concrete in Beverwijk bicycle tunnel
(Photo: Heijmans)
May 26, 2026 – During the construction of a bicycle tunnel at the HOV station in Beverwijk, Heijmans is applying circular concrete in a tunnel structure for the first time. According to Heijmans, this makes the project a first in the Netherlands and a significant step towards the large-scale sustainability of infrastructure. Moreover, the tunnel is being installed in a single weekend, keeping disruption to the surrounding area to a minimum. While circular concrete has until now mainly been used in less critical structures, the requirements in a tunnel are considerably higher. It is precisely there that Heijmans proves it is possible.
By using recycled raw materials and optimizations based on their own life cycle analyses (LCAs), Heijmans claims the environmental impact of the concrete is significantly reduced. As a result, the environmental costs (MKI) come virtually to the lower limit of what is feasible within this project. In doing so, circular concrete is evolving from an alternative to a fully-fledged building material for complex infrastructure. The bicycle tunnel is being constructed using a pre-assembly section over 38 meters long and weighing approximately 1,600 tons, which is driven into place as a single unit using SPMTs (Self Propelled Modular Transporters). Subsequently, prefabricated sections of the access ramp are installed.
