The completed research phase of the Houtensebrug (project A27 Houten - Hooipolder) shows that the initial plan to widen the existing western Houtensebrug (traffic towards the south) is not possible.
Alternative solutions are significantly more expensive than the planned widening and are therefore not feasible within the available budget.
Additionally, these alternatives have other negative consequences, such as severe traffic disruption for an extended period. Moreover, according to experts, the Houtensebrug has a remaining lifespan of approximately 30 years.
Therefore, the work on the Houtensebrug will be removed from the contractors contract. We are starting a study into a feasible expansion of the capacity on the Houtensebrug.
Research on Houtensebrug
Expanding an existing bridge is technically complex. Since autumn 2023, design teams from Rijkswaterstaat have been working with the involved contractors on the design of how the Houtensebrug (1980) can be expanded.
Research into the current condition and load-bearing capacity of the bridge formed the basis. The bridge underwent four tests to assess its load capacity and behavior.
A stress test measured the current tension in the bridges prestressing cables. A load test with 14 trucks, each weighing 30 tons, was conducted, concrete cores were examined in a laboratory, and a dynamic load test with a special truck with vibrating load was performed to assess the bridges stiffness.
Now that all research results have been analyzed, it appears that the planned expansion is not possible. Experts reports indicate that the bridge can last another 30 years.
This means there is still time to devise another solution for the bridge. It has therefore been decided to remove the work on the Houtensebrug from the contractors contract.
Improvement A27 Houten - Hooipolder
On the A27 between the Hooipolder junction and Houten, long traffic jams occur daily. Therefore, this section of the highway will be improved in the coming years.
This will lead to better traffic flow in the future, with fewer traffic jams and less through traffic in the region.
More Information on Houtensebrug
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