GelreGroen’s ViA15 Motorway Overhaul Set to Reshape Dutch Infrastructure
In a move that’s set to reshape the transportation landscape of the Netherlands, the GelreGroen consortium has signed an updated DBFM (Design, Build, Finance & Maintain) contract with Rijkswaterstaat (RWS), the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
This agreement marks a critical milestone in the ViA15 Public-Private Partnership (PPP), one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in recent Dutch history.
The GelreGroen consortium is made up of a powerhouse quartet of infrastructure players: John Laing and HOCHTIEF each holding 40% stakes, while Dura Vermeer and BESIX take up the remaining 10% each. Together, they’re gearing up for a mammoth task: upgrading, extending, financing, and maintaining a major artery of Europe’s logistics network.
Connecting the Dots Across Europe
This isn’t just another motorway project. The ViA15 upgrade is vital to improving connectivity between Germany and the Port of Rotterdam – the beating heart of European trade. As logistics pressure continues to mount in the EU’s core economic corridor, ensuring seamless road links has never been more essential.
The scope of the work is ambitious:
- Widening 11km of the A15 between Valburg and Ressen
- Expanding 12km of the A12 from Westervoort to Oud-Dijk
- Building a new 12km greenfield extension of the A15
- Constructing a landmark 2.5km bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal
On top of the heavy construction, GelreGroen will maintain these assets through to 2051. That’s a full quarter-century of oversight, ensuring this infrastructure lives up to the promise of reliability, efficiency and safety.
Investing in the Long Haul
With a 40% stake, UK-based infrastructure investor John Laing Group is deeply committed to the success of the ViA15 venture. Having already built a reputation for backing transformative transport and energy projects across Europe and beyond, their involvement signals serious long-term intent.
In a statement, John Laing expressed confidence in the project: “We are delighted to reaffirm our commitment to GelreGroen and the ViA15 project. It represents a critical link in the European transport network, and we look forward to delivering a world-class outcome alongside our partners.”
This commitment to Europe’s sustainable infrastructure agenda aligns with John Laing’s broader investment strategy, which prioritises resilience, innovation and long-term value.
High-Calibre Partners Bring Deep Expertise
HOCHTIEF, a major global construction group headquartered in Germany, is known for delivering complex infrastructure projects. From tunnels and highways to ports and airports, their expertise will be invaluable during both the construction and maintenance phases.
Dura Vermeer, a household name in the Dutch construction industry, brings extensive regional experience and a deep understanding of local environmental and regulatory conditions. BESIX, meanwhile, rounds out the consortium with its world-renowned civil engineering prowess, particularly in complex bridge construction.
Together, these four companies blend local knowledge, international reach and technical excellence—a recipe for success in a project of this scale and sensitivity.
Bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal
Arguably the most visually striking and technically complex component of the ViA15 project is the planned 2.5km bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal. This structure will not only serve as a crucial transport link but also stand as a testament to modern Dutch engineering.
Design plans emphasise environmental integration, flood resilience and minimal disruption to the surrounding habitat. The canal forms part of the Rhine distributary system, making it a sensitive area both ecologically and hydrologically. Ensuring construction complies with stringent Dutch water management regulations will be a top priority.
Long-Term Maintenance with a Green Lens
Beyond bricks and asphalt, the contract obliges GelreGroen to manage the operational and maintenance aspects of the motorway network until 2051. This includes routine upkeep, traffic monitoring, emergency responses, and infrastructure renewal.
There’s a strong sustainability angle too. The Netherlands is a pioneer in climate-resilient infrastructure, and expectations are high. Smart lighting, recycled materials, and low-carbon construction methods are likely to feature prominently. The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twins will also help drive efficiency and predictive maintenance.
Financing the Future
Under the DBFM model, GelreGroen bears the financial responsibility for design and delivery, with returns based on long-term project finance availability payments from the government. This setup incentivises quality and lifecycle efficiency, reducing the likelihood of expensive delays or cost overruns.
ViA15’s financing model is particularly significant in the context of tightening public budgets and increasing scrutiny of infrastructure investment. The PPP route allows governments to leverage private capital and expertise without handing over long-term ownership, while still maintaining control over performance standards and compliance.
“This is a perfect example of public and private sectors working in tandem to deliver infrastructure that will serve generations to come,” said an RWS spokesperson.
National and Continental Impact
Once complete, the upgraded ViA15 corridor will form a vital link in the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), which aims to close transport gaps, remove bottlenecks, and boost cross-border connections throughout the EU.
For the Arnhem-Nijmegen region, the project also promises to reduce congestion, improve road safety, and support regional economic growth. Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created throughout the construction and maintenance phases, benefiting the Dutch economy and supply chains.
Environmental concerns are being proactively addressed. Comprehensive environmental impact assessments have been conducted, and community engagement has been a core part of the project’s planning process.
Breaking Ground in 2026
Shovels are set to hit the ground in January 2026, kicking off what will likely be a multi-year construction timeline. Early works will focus on site preparation, utilities relocation, and ecological mitigation before heavy equipment rolls in.
The project’s timeline dovetails neatly with the EU’s broader infrastructure and sustainability agenda, ensuring the Netherlands continues to play a leading role in shaping a greener, smarter transport future.
Building More Than Roads
At its heart, the ViA15 project is about more than asphalt, concrete and bridges. It’s about enhancing connectivity, supporting sustainable economic development, and setting new benchmarks in long-term infrastructure delivery.
With construction on the horizon and all eyes on GelreGroen, the project is a clear signal that when public and private entities align with a shared vision, they can quite literally build the road to the future.
