North Holland divided over widening Houtribdijk, West Friesland cannot wait

The 25 kilometer long road has been the subject of discussion for some time in the region. Widening with extra lanes makes the region more interesting for companies to establish themselves. This will make it a good east-west connection, relieving Amsterdam’s traffic. Many companies still choose that route towards the east (and vice versa) instead of via the Houtribdijk.

Safety

In addition, additional lanes should make the road safer. Accidents happen regularly. And they are usually serious because they are head-on collisions. At the end of last year a motorist came still alive when it collided with a truck.

But that expansion also comes with a hefty price tag. And it became clear earlier that the government isn’t exactly happy to invest in widening the Houtribdijk. And the inhabitants of North Holland also appear to be divided.

Broadening divisions

Almost a third (31%) would like the road to be widened. On the other hand, an almost equally large group (28%) is against this. 30% also indicate that they are neutral in the discussion.

Below you can see the differences in the answers of the North Holland participants and only the participants from West Friesland. Text continues below.

West Friesland: yes, please!

But if we look at the West Frisian municipalities (Enkhuizen, Stede Broec, Drechterland, Medemblik, Hoorn, Koggenland and Opmeer), a completely different picture emerges. More than half of West Frisians (56%) believe that the Houtribdijk should be widened. But here too, 21% still say they have little interest in it.

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