The new Johan Friso lock in Stavoren is ready! This lock is part of the Frisian Lakes Project. That project started with a budget of 495 million euros in 2000 and will end in 2015. As is well known, Friesland is the water sports province par excellence.
The objective of the project is not only to stimulate employment, but also to improve the livability and business climate in Friesland.
Multipaint Steel Preservation was involved in this magnificent project.
Stavoren has been called the gateway to a hospitable Friesland. And on May 8, 2014, that gateway was officially and festively inaugurated. His Majesty King Willen-Alexander opened the pride of Stavoren; the Johan Friso Lock.
It has become an extraordinary project. Besides impressive numbers like 20,000 m3 of earthmoving, 150 m2 of solar cells have been used, and even when the bridge to the Johan Friso Canal is closed, energy is recovered.
Modern technology coupled with a beautiful project. And that will appeal to our King with his interest in water control and new technology.
As could be expected, the Frisians made a spectacle of it. A complete theater piece was performed, with an old school father and a modern thinking daughter discussing the value and proper function of the two locks.
Eventually the father, who plays the lockkeeper, is convinced and opens the locks, allowing the King access to the lock complex.
During the official opening, a Frisian poem plays a central role in the story. It symbolizes the character and value of the old and new lock that now form a unity instead of opposites:
Wa’t syn ferline ferjit
Sil syn takomst noait witte
Ald and nij, jong and âld
Komme elkoar hjoed temjitte
Those who forget their past
Will never know his future
Old and new, young and old
Meet in the present
Multipaint was responsible for preserving the lock gates and bridges for the new lock complex.
The contracts consisted of one new bridge trap, including wearing course, plus complete reblasting and preservation of hameitorens, balance and railing work for the north lock.
For the southern lock, one completely new bridge and two new lock gates were conserved.
The 2nd Johan Friso Lock has a special character. Green, open, environmentally friendly and energy-neutral. Because of the new lock, long waiting times and unsafe situations in the high season are a thing of the past.
Multipaint was able to make its professional contribution to “The Key to the Gate of Fryslân.”