The Uitwellingerga Bridge has been closed indefinitely since November 2024 as a precaution for all vehicular and agricultural traffic. The safety of the bridge cannot be guaranteed under load.
Subsequent investigations into the structure of the Uitwellingerga Bridge have unfortunately shown that the bridge can no longer be repaired. Therefore, we will remove the movable section and the ballast boxes and create a temporary fixed bridge at the location of the current one.
The temporary bridge is expected to open for all traffic in August 2025. Until then, the current situation remains in effect.
Long Term
For the long term (April 2026), we are working on the deployment of a ferry for (moped) cyclists, pedestrians, scooters, microcars, and possibly agricultural traffic.
We are also exploring the feasibility of making a lane in the Princess Margriet Tunnel available for agricultural traffic, public transport, and possibly traffic that needs to be in Uitwellingerga and the surrounding area.
Temporary Fixed Bridge
The temporary fixed bridge consists of a section for cyclists and pedestrians and a section for other traffic with one lane. Traffic is regulated using traffic lights. The temporary bridge is fixed and cannot be operated for shipping. During large transport over the waterway, the bridge can possibly be lifted out.
The construction of the temporary fixed bridge will last until August 2025. This is partly due to the design and fitting of the temporary bridge, delivery times, and permits that need to be applied for. Removing the current movable part and the ballast boxes also takes time.
Disruption Until August 2025
Until August 2025, unfortunately, the current situation remains in effect.
- (Moped) cyclists and pedestrians can pass the bridge.
- Agricultural traffic must detour (with low loaders through the Princess Margriet Tunnel).
- Emergency and assistance services must detour via the A7.
- Motorists must detour via the A7.
- Shipping taller than 7.10 m clearance height (Standing Mast Route) must detour.
Disruption from August 2025 to April 2026
Once the temporary fixed bridge is ready for traffic, all road traffic and (moped) cyclists/pedestrians can use the bridge. Shipping taller than 7.10 m clearance height (Standing Mast Route) must detour.
Disruption from April 2026 to September 2026
The temporary fixed bridge will be lifted out between April 2026 and September 2026 to make room for the Standing Mast Route.
By deploying a ferry, we ensure that (moped) cyclists, pedestrians, scooters, microcars, and possibly agricultural traffic can cross the waterway. In addition, if feasible, road traffic can then detour via a lane in the Princess Margriet Tunnel. This is still being further developed.
Until the start of construction on the new Uitwellingerga Bridge, which is tentatively scheduled for 2028, we will lift out the temporary fixed bridge annually between April and September.
Main Waterway Lemmer-Delfzijl
The Uitwellingerga Bridge is part of the Main Waterway Lemmer-Delfzijl (HLD). The HLD runs through Friesland and Groningen and is one of the most important waterways in the Netherlands. The waterway is of great importance for the regional and national economy.
We have been the owner and manager of the waterway since 2014 and are working on various improvements over the coming decades to ensure safe, smooth, and sustainable passage for, among others, Class Va ships.
Information on Uitwellingerga Bridge
Do you have questions about the replacement of the Uitwellingerga Bridge? Please contact us.