Duplex system pays tribute to ODE bridge

August 2011 – In one of the most beautiful places in Amsterdam is the Oosterdokseiland (ODE). This area, on the banks of the river IJ alongside Central Station is a hive of building activity. The dam that, since 1832, linked the Oosterdokseiland (which houses Amsterdam's central library and the conservatoire) with Prins Hendrikkade has been replaced with a beautiful prefabricated arched bridge. The steel frames were treated with the Duplex system, which involves first hot-dip galvanizing the steel by Verzinkerij Heerhugowaard, then powder coating them by Poedercoating Heerhugowaard.

Construction of the ODE bridge was a big logistical operation. As the bridge is situated at one of the busiest junctions in Amsterdam and traffic had to be kept moving during construction, a concrete prefabricated structure was chosen. The two arched concrete spans were finished with steel frames with moulded aluminium plates. The steel frames were produced by WVL Staalbouwers of Schagen and treated with the Duplex system, which involves hot-dip galvanizing the steel (by Verzinkerij Heerhugowaard) and powder coating them (by Poedercoating Heerhugowaard). The aluminium plates were made by Knook of Purmerend and powder coated by Poedercoating Heerhugowaard. The Duplex Route is Verzinkerij Heerhugowaard and Poedercoating Heerhugowaard's lasting 'ode' to the new bridge.