VTS contributes to the “Ballerina” for strengthening the Afsluitdijk

With the delivery of two modified D7 tracks, VTS Track Solutions from Maarheeze is indirectly helping to strengthen the Afsluitdijk.

The Afsluitdijk is one of the most iconic constructions in the Netherlands, which has protected our country against coastal floods since 1932. Rijkswaterstaat recently started strengthening the body of the dike by installing so-called Quattroblocks. A special machine was built for this purpose: ‘the Ballerina’. The tracks which allows this mechanical ballerina to move are manufactured by VTS Track Solutions.

D7 tracks

In consultation with project manager Snijder from Hoorn a special assembly construction was added to the two D7 tracks. To ensure a good fit with the project developer’s steel structure, the fastening surfaces were completely machined, so that they could be mounted effortlessly. The innovative Ballerina therefore consists of a movable undercarriage with a crane mounted on top.

Thousands of concrete blocks

In total, the Ballerina will position thousands of concrete blocks on the upper slope on the Wadden Sea side in the coming years. Due to the differences in height of these Quattroblocks, they prevent the waves from overtopping the dike. The Ballerina is currently moving with its tracks from Breezanddijk in the direction of Den Oever and will disassembled and reassembled several times during the works. The whole job is expected to be finished in 2023.

Proud

VTS Track Solutions is part of Verhoeven International and specialises in the design, development, production and maintenance of crawler tracks, transport systems and power packs. We are proud that we can indirectly contribute to the reinforcement of the Afsluitdijk and help protect the Netherlands against flooding.