Dutch construction company Heijmans is using circular concrete for a new cycle tunnel at the HOV public transport station in Beverwijk. The project is the first tunnel structure in the Netherlands to apply this type of concrete. It marks an important step towards more sustainable infrastructure construction.

Concrete production currently accounts for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions. At the same time, the Netherlands faces a major challenge in replacing and renovating ageing infrastructure. According to Heijmans, this transition requires practical solutions that can be applied at scale.

The Beverwijk project builds on earlier experiments with lower-impact concrete, including a CO₂-neutral concrete bridge presented at the company’s innovation site, the Heijmans Voortuin. The new tunnel shows how circular concrete can now be used in more demanding infrastructure projects.

Recycled Raw Materials Reduce Environmental Impact

Tunnel structures require higher technical and safety standards than many other construction projects. Heijmans demonstrates that circular concrete can also meet these stricter requirements.

The concrete mix contains recycled raw materials and has been optimised using internal life cycle assessments (LCAs). These adjustments significantly reduce the material’s environmental impact. The project achieves an Environmental Cost Indicator (MKI) score close to the lowest possible within the project boundaries.

This development highlights the growing potential of circular concrete as a reliable material for large-scale infrastructure applications. It also reflects the wider shift towards lower-carbon construction methods within the built environment sector.

Faster Construction with Less Disruption

The project combines sustainable materials with efficient construction logistics. The tunnel consists of a prefabricated section measuring more than 38 metres in length and weighing around 1,600 tonnes. The structure will be transported and installed in a single operation using Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs).

In addition to circular concrete, the company is using cleaner construction equipment powered by HVO100 biofuel to lower emissions during the building process.

The full completion of the Beverwijk cycle tunnel is planned for September 2026. According to Heijmans, the project is intended as a practical step towards the wider adoption of circular materials in infrastructure construction.

Source: Heijmans