Monumental Lock Bosscheveld ready for the future thanks to SWARCO and Mourik
Modernising a 1930s icon: how SWARCO and Mourik are giving Lock Bosscheveld a new lease on life, without losing its soul.
Making a lock from the 1930s future-proof without compromising its character: that is the challenge at Lock Bosscheveld in Maastricht. Commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, the contractor consortium Mourik-SWARCO is carrying out a large-scale renovation. The lock gates, drive systems, and control systems are being renewed. This ensures that the lock will soon operate safely and reliably again, while preserving its monumental appearance.
The challenge: technology and heritage conservation
Lock Bosscheveld was facing outdated mechanical and control systems, posing risks to the reliability of the installation. At the same time, the lock is a listed monument, meaning that not everything can simply be replaced or modified. Every detail – from fencing and colour schemes to the design of the drive systems – must comply with the requirements of aesthetic committees and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE).
The combination of technology, history, and surroundings made this project far from standard. This unique mix required close collaboration between all parties involved.
“Sometimes what is technically optimal conflicts with what is allowed from a heritage perspective. That’s why, from day one, we work closely with Rijkswaterstaat and the surrounding stakeholders to find solutions that work for everyone.”
One team, clear roles
The renovation of Lock Bosscheveld is a joint effort by Mourik Infra and SWARCO, commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat. Mourik is responsible for the mechanical and civil works, while SWARCO handles the electrical engineering, instrumentation, and automation. Together with Rijkswaterstaat, a two-phase approach was used to define what needed to be done, how it could best be executed, and within what timeframe.
The scope of the work is substantial. At the end of 2024, the concept scope was established in collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat, and the preliminary design phase began. In the spring of 2025, the project moved into the final design phase. By the summer of 2025, the final scope was determined, and execution works started in the autumn of 2025.
In the meantime, the first lift gate at the lower head – over fifteen meters wide and weighing approximately eighty tons – has been successfully removed, cleaned, and sent for refurbishment. New drive systems and control cabinets have also been installed. In early 2026, the safety operation system was successfully commissioned. After that, the refurbished gate will be reinstalled and lifted back into place. The next phase will then begin, addressing the second lift gate at the upper head in the same way. The works will continue until the end of 2026, when the lock will be fully operational again.
“Clear communication makes all the difference. Everyone knows what we are doing, when, and why. That creates a sense of calm in the surrounding area.”
Balancing technology and collaboration
In addition to technical work, collaboration and communication play a key role. Local residents, businesses, safety services, and shipping traffic are kept well informed through newsletters, a project website, and regular consultations.
With modern control systems, digital synchronization, and low-maintenance components, the lock will soon be more reliable than ever. At the same time, every element has been carefully aligned with the heritage authorities, ensuring that its monumental character is fully preserved.
A valuable learning project
For SWARCO, this project is a valuable experience within the field of wet infrastructure. The lessons learned here will help us approach future projects even more intelligently and carefully.
“It’s special to work on a monument. When everything runs smoothly again, you know you’ve contributed something meaningful to a piece of Dutch heritage.”
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