Most parties in Drenthe politics respond positively that temporary measures are being taken to tackle the problems at Verkeersplein Gieten.
Construction of a flyover on the N34 near Gieten is expected to begin in 2030. The province is now allocating 1.3 million euros to take temporary measures to tackle traffic congestion on the road. This concerns, for example, the extension of a bus lane, the construction of an extra bus lane and a bypass from the N33 to the N34, and measures to prevent cut-through traffic. The government is responsible for another 1.2 million euros.
A majority of the Provincial Council is in favor of this investment. “It may seem like a waste of money, but hopefully these measures will reduce frustration on the road and increase road safety,” says Gertjan Zuur (CDA). Sterk Lokaal Drenthe, Party for the Animals and JA21 have more difficulty with the required 1.3 million euros from the province.
“Every investment must be future-proof,” says Harry Omlo (JA21). “These are temporary measures. Is this future-proof? Will this investment literally be broken up again in a few years when the flyover is constructed?”
Provincial administrator Bart van Dekken (CDA) indicates that it is not yet clear whether the measures that are currently being implemented can be left in place for the fly-over. “Wouldn’t it be a shame if the whole thing had to be demolished again in five years?”
These measures are needed as soon as possible, says Van Dekken. “These are really necessary to make it safe and to improve traffic flow. Public transport suffers enormously from the traffic jams there.”
The Party for the Animals is the biggest opponent of the announced measures. “There is excessive crowds at two times of the day,” says Jur Faber. He believes that the province should encourage people to drive outside rush hours instead of laying asphalt. The party also advocates lowering speeds. “If you drive more calmly, you will have fewer traffic fatalities and you will drive better.”
On December 17, the Provincial Council will vote on the temporary measures, which must be implemented next year. The fly-over will follow in 2030.