A Dutch company has constructed a modular bridge using a decommissioned wind turbine blade as its core structural element. The bridge, installed in the city of Almere, was developed by Poly Products, a Werkendam-based company specializing in composite processing, as part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management’s Circular Viaduct initiative.
The concept was born after a visit to Eneco’s decommissioning site at Herkingen Wind Farm, where the team saw an opportunity to extend the life of turbine blades through infrastructure. Working with partners including Antea Group, GKB Group, and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Poly Products turned the vision into a reality over a year.
The final structure spans 12 meters (approximately 39 feet), is 3 meters (about 10 feet) wide, and can withstand occasional loads of up to 5 tons. Rather than stripping down the turbine blade, the team preserved much of its original shape. This not only minimized the need for new raw materials but also allowed them to take full advantage of the composite’s natural strengths—its high durability, light weight, and weather resistance.
Before installation, the blade underwent extensive testing in Heerenveen to detect and reinforce any structural weaknesses. In addition to the reused blade, the bridge incorporates recycled thermoplastics, thermosets, and repurposed sheet piling for the deck surface.
To accommodate the blade’s distinctive curved form, the team employed large-format 3D printing to produce custom shanks. These printed components ensure structural continuity while enabling modular design flexibility. They also serve multiple roles, acting as support elements, railing anchors, and width determinants.
The bridge’s design reflects a broader shift toward sustainable construction practices, inspired in part by international efforts like a 3D printed pedestrian bridge from Italy’s Polytechnic University of Bari, built using recycled stone and mortar in homage to da Vinci’s self-supporting arch.
Poly Products’ managing director, Michiel den Bruijcker, emphasized the importance of not only recycling materials but also reimagining their function. “By processing and repurposing [the blade] as a girder, we give it a new life,” he said. “It’s about more than just reuse—it’s about potential.”
After engaging with stakeholders throughout the development process, the project received positive market feedback and was deemed financially feasible. A patent is now pending for the structural system, and discussions are already underway to apply the same method to future bridge projects across the Netherlands.
