There is significant attention in the House of Representatives and media regarding the safety of bridges and viaducts with tooth-and-notch construction. This method connects bridge sections but was found faulty in 90 structures, allowing saltwater to corrode the reinforcement, thus weakening the structure.
What is a tooth-and-notch construction?
How was this discovered?
Safety is our top priority. Regular inspections ensure maintenance of each bridge and viaduct. However, tooth-and-notch issues were not initially detected. Joint transitions allowed moisture seepage.
In 2022, we started additional scans of about 100 similar bridges and viaducts. Inspections showed concrete samples were needed, revealing increased risk at sites like Velperbroek.
Seventeen objects require further investigation or preparation for measures. These include viaducts on the A12 at Velperbroek, Kamperhoekweg viaduct (A6), Naardertrekvaart bridges (A1), Prins Clausplein complex (A4/A12), Tielsestraat viaduct (A15), and De Tol viaduct (A1).
How many bridges and viaducts are affected?
Nationwide, about 100 bridges and viaducts have tooth-and-notch constructions. Ninety were incorrectly designed by todays standards. Each structures age, design, and maintenance status vary, affecting the problems scope.
What measures is Rijkswaterstaat taking?
Measures may include banning heavy traffic and placing support structures. At Velperbroek, vehicles over 45 tons are already restricted. In April 2025, a supporting structure will be installed. Rijkswaterstaat explores if the temporary structure can support the road deck to lift weight restrictions.
What’s next?
The remaining 73 objects with teeth and notches will be reassessed. We expect them to be safe. For objects with increased risk, replacement is the only option, scheduled within ongoing and upcoming major maintenance.
For more information, visit our page on Major maintenance of roads and waterways.