The renovated Noordervaart, the provincial road N243 near Stompetoren, looks beautiful. The farmers who have to use it with their tractors and agricultural machines also think so. But it turns out that the new way is far from practical for them. The new lanes are too narrow. “That’s how the tires of our machines break. And the curbs go too.”
Johan Barendregt, arable farmer in the Schermer, is speaking. He explains that the road at the roundabout at the intersection of the Noordervaart and the Oterlekerweg is only 3 meters wide.
“That’s the maximum width of an ordinary tractor. Other agricultural machines are up to 3.5 meters wide.” The asphalt is framed by high curbs, so swerving to the verge is not an option. “Especially with that bend in it. I think this is already tight for trucks.”
“The province of North Holland is the client,” explains Barendregt. The N243 is a provincial road. “But he wants to deliver first and only then see if it should have been done differently. That is the culture of three weeks of meetings about everything, while this costs claws with money.”
Reason enough for Barendregt and other farmers in the area to our media partner Alkmaar Central to show what’s wrong with the road.
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The municipality of Alkmaar says that the issue is being taken seriously and is consulting with the province about the situation that has arisen. A spokesman late know afterwards: it was a positive conversation and a solution will be considered.
Barendregt is also optimistic after the consultation: “What I understand is that a solution is possible. For example, that they lower the central reservation. That would be a positive conclusion,” he responds with relief. “Then our protests have made sense.”