The Netherlands is about to plug a critical gap in its road network with the ground-breaking ViA15 project – a game-changing infrastructure venture that aims to bridge the missing link between the A15 and the A12 near the German border. With a contract value of US$1.4 billion (EUR 1.2 billion), this massive initiative is being delivered through a project finance based Public-Private Partnership (PPP) by the GelreGroen joint venture, led by HOCHTIEF and BESIX, and supported by Dura Vermeer, Van Oord, and infrastructure investor John Laing.

What makes this particular stretch of road so significant? In short, it unlocks a strategic east-west corridor that will drastically improve mobility, not just for the Netherlands, but for trans-European freight routes as well. Once completed, the ViA15 will provide a seamless connection between Rotterdam’s bustling port and Germany’s industrial heartlands.

The ViA15 project will see the extension of the A15 motorway by 12 kilometres and the widening of a further 23 kilometres of the A12 and A15 near Arnhem and Zevenaar. These improvements are set to transform one of the most congested and logistically important regions in the country.

Beyond just easing traffic jams, the project has broader ambitions. According to Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch government agency overseeing infrastructure: “This missing link is essential for ensuring smoother logistics, greater road safety, and future-proof transport between our major ports and neighbouring economies.”

Crucially, the road upgrade aims to bolster freight transport by creating a more efficient route from the Port of Rotterdam to the German hinterland. Given that Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port, the ripple effects of this project will be felt far beyond Dutch borders.

Procured under a DBFM model (Design, Build, Finance, Maintain), the ViA15 project is a prime example of how the public and private sectors can collaborate to deliver complex infrastructure with long-term benefits. Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted for 2031. After that, the project enters a 20-year maintenance phase, during which the consortium will be responsible for keeping the infrastructure in top shape.

The delivery model ensures risk-sharing across all phases, with private partners taking the lead on financing, design, and execution, while the government focuses on regulatory oversight and strategic alignment.

Perhaps the most visually striking feature of the ViA15 development is the planned 2.5-kilometre bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal. But this isn’t just another crossing – it’s set to be a regional icon.

Designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind, the bridge includes separate lanes for non-motorised traffic, as well as a central viewing platform offering panoramic views of the Dutch waterway landscape. This multipurpose structure will connect communities while also becoming a popular stop for locals and tourists alike.

In total, the ViA15 scheme will feature:

At the heart of this mega-project is the GelreGroen consortium. Its unique ownership and delivery structure provides a well-balanced combination of financial muscle, engineering expertise, and local knowledge.

The project ownership breakdown is as follows:

Meanwhile, the delivery of the DBFM obligations is split evenly among HOCHTIEF, Dura Vermeer, BESIX, and Van Oord, each holding a 25% share of the operational responsibilities.

John Laing plays a pivotal financial role in the venture. As a veteran PPP investor, the firm brings decades of experience in long-term infrastructure financing. “We’re proud to be part of a transformative project that will improve lives, boost trade, and set a benchmark for future infrastructure,” stated a spokesperson for John Laing.

While the numbers are impressive, it’s the technical sophistication and sustainable design that set this project apart. From eco-friendly construction practices to climate-resilient road surfaces, ViA15 is designed with the future in mind.

Smart mobility features are expected to be integrated into the route, including intelligent traffic systems, real-time monitoring, and digital signage to improve road safety and reduce bottlenecks. These additions reflect the Netherlands’ forward-thinking approach to transport infrastructure, one that embraces digital transformation and environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the inclusion of active transport lanes on the new bridge aligns with the country’s broader goals of encouraging sustainable, multimodal travel.

Community involvement has been a core part of the project planning process. Extensive public consultations were held to gather input on noise pollution, environmental impact, and access concerns. The result is a design that aims to minimise disruption and maximise benefits for residents.

The project is also set to deliver an economic boost to the region, with hundreds of jobs expected during the construction phase, followed by long-term employment for operations and maintenance.

“We see this as more than just a road,” said a Dura Vermeer project lead: “It’s a catalyst for regional growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life.”

As infrastructure needs continue to grow across Europe, the ViA15 project serves as a template for delivering ambitious projects that blend public benefit with private efficiency.

Its strategic use of the DBFM model, cross-sector collaboration, and attention to sustainability and smart technology demonstrate how modern infrastructure can tick all the boxes – from economic and environmental to social and operational.

With spades expected to hit the ground in 2026 and ribbon-cutting by 2031, this motorway promises to reshape the way the Netherlands connects with itself and the rest of Europe.

The ViA15 isn’t merely a motorway; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when innovation, collaboration, and foresight align. The project not only plugs a literal gap in the Dutch road network but also marks a step toward a smarter, greener, and more connected future for Europe.