IRNOP 2026 Social Programme

Amsterdam Bridges & Quay Walls Programme

“Amsterdam, we have a problem” – and “I cannot do it alone.”

Amsterdam is a city of water and history: more than a thousand bridges and hundreds of kilometers of quay walls, some dating back to the 16th century. Beautiful, iconic — and increasingly vulnerable. In 2019, the City of Amsterdam faced a daunting reality. Up to 850 bridges and 200 kilometers of quay walls were expected to require repair or replacement. With an estimated budget of €10–20 billion, this became one of the largest — if not the largest — infrastructure programmes in the Netherlands.

The challenge was immense. There was limited historical knowledge and documentation of these assets, and much of the inspection work had to be carried out underwater. Establishing reliable insights into structural condition and realistic life expectancy was anything but straightforward.

The urgency became painfully clear in 2020, when an old quay wall in the heart of the city centre unexpectedly collapsed. Suddenly, the “Amsterdam problem” was no longer abstract — it was tangible, visible, and urgent.

Recognising that this challenge could not be tackled alone, the city brought together a wide range of partners: engineering consultancies, contractors, and leading research institutions such as TU Delft, Urbiquay, and Deltares. Collaboration became the backbone of the programme.

Now, more than six years later, the picture looks fundamentally different. Through improved inspections, smarter data analysis, refined estimation models, and technological innovation, the scope of the problem has been significantly reduced. Amsterdam has not only regained control but has also become a frontrunner — openly sharing knowledge and lessons learned with other cities with old quay walls.

Sustainability is fully embedded in the programme, with a strong focus on zero-emission construction, nature-inclusive solutions, and climate-adaptive design — all within the constraints of a historic, densely populated “living city”.

Join us on 6 June, be aware only 60 spots, first come first served.

As part of the IRNOP 2026 Social Programme on 6 June, we invite you to explore the Amsterdam Bridges & Quay Walls Programme. You will gain insight into how the city collaborates with researchers, embraces innovation, and manages one of the most complex long-term infrastructure programmes in Europe.

The introduction is followed by a two-hour boat tour, offering a unique perspective on Amsterdam, its waterways, and the realities of working on a programme in a city where quay walls support houseboats, historic buildings — and trees considered sacred by its residents.

A story of urgency, innovation, and collaboration — experienced from the water.

This social program is sponsored by the City of Amsterdam.