After months of hard work the big renovations of the start and landing runways at the Air base in Leeuwarden has been completed. Den Ouden Infra has played a crucial role in the renewing of this essential infrastructure. the new infrastructure forms the solid foundation for the day to day operations of the F-35s that depart and land from this base for various training missions ans patrols.
Extensive cooperation
With five asphalt plants and a concrete batching plant on board, impressive work was delivered to make sure the renovation would be a succes. During the Project more than two hundred trucks have delivered and unloaded 40.000 tons (225.000 m²) of asphalt to provide the runways with new intermediate and top layers.
Furthermore 24.500 m² of concrete pavement at the runway heads has been replaced, fifty kilometers of wires was replaced and eleven kilometers of drainage channels and concrete slabs has been renewed. Also four new hypermodern Aircraft Braking Systems have been built and a striking new lighting installation with energy-efficient LED lamps (700 pieces) was installed.
All in all, a powerful operation that was brought to a success with military precision by Den Ouden together with its partners and its client, the Central Government Real Estate Agency.
Intensive planning
The renovation planning was tight with a challenging deadline. Jan de Groot, technical manager of the Central Government Real Estate Agency (RVB), remembers that when he saw the original plan a few years ago he was suprised by the time pressure. Dispite this challenge there were two hundred builders who worked tirelessly every day to get the job done. On some days, double the number of people were working on this project. The renovation was finished with pride and with everyone together. Jan de Groot stressed this: we did do this beautifully together.
Impact on operations
The renovation period didnt't only have influence on the infra structure bu also on the daily operations
Back to Leeuwarden
Now that the renovations has ben completed, the F-35's returned to the Airbase Leeuwarden. the runways are ready for everyday use, Allowing the flight schedule to get back on track.The commander of the 322 Squadron, Colonel Guido Schols, emphasized the importance of the renewed infrastructure for both operations and the well-being of the personnel.
Succesvol afgerond
De succesvolle voltooiing van de renovatie van de start- en landingsbanen op Vliegbasis Leeuwarden getuigt van de gezamenlijke inspanningen van vele betrokkenen, waaronder Den Ouden. Met een strakke deadline en uitdagende omstandigheden hebben bouwlieden en luchtmachtpersoneel hun vastberadenheid en flexibiliteit getoond. De vernieuwde basis is niet alleen een fysieke transformatie, maar ook een symbool van toewijding aan nationale veiligheid en samenwerking met internationale partners.
Alle foto's in dit artikel zijn aangeleverd door Defensie / Jan Dijkstra.
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