Do you normally rely on the Haringvliet Bridge to get from West Brabant to South Holland? Then wet your chest for the next two months. You can of course take the traffic jams on the diversion routes for granted, but there are also alternatives. We list them for you.
“It concerns the closure of a river crossing, of which there are not many. So it is really terrible for the people here,” admits Diana Wonnink of Rijkswaterstaat.
1. A16 over the Moerdijk bridge
If you want to go by car from Bergen op Zoom on the A4 towards Rotterdam, you will have to detour via the A16 over the Moerdijk bridge. Due to the extra traffic on the diversion route, Rijkswaterstaat warns of significant delays during rush hour.
2. N57 over the Haringvliet dam
You can also choose to turn off at the Hellegatsplein junction towards Stellendam to drive north on the N57. If you have to be in Rotterdam, it will cost you at least an hour extra travel time from the Bergen op Zoom/Roosendaal region.
3. A27 over the Keizersveerbrug and the Merwedebrug
Motorists from the direction of Breda who want to avoid the traffic jams on the Moerdijk bridge can also cross the rivers via the A27.
4. Ferries for cyclists and walkers
If you go by bike or walk, you are in luck. Rijkswaterstaat runs ferries between Hellegatsplein and Numansdorp every day. Agricultural traffic can also cross the lake here.
5. Longer trains between Roosendaal and Rotterdam
Traveling by train is also possible. Due to the expected extra crowds, the NS will temporarily run longer trains between Roosendaal and Rotterdam. But please note: no trains will run between Bergen op Zoom and Roosendaal from 9 to 19 June. ProRail will then work on the track. The NS then deploys buses.
Rijkswaterstaat advises traveling outside rush hours and adjusting working hours. Carpooling or working from home is also seen as a good alternative.
“In any case, don’t just get into the car, because it will get really bad,” warns spokeswoman Diana Wonnink. “Look at other options, because if everyone gets into the car, it will be chaos. The roads will really fill up and emergency services and healthcare workers must also be able to use the roads.”