The Overtoomse Sluis Bridge (bridge 199) is urgently closed to cars and trams from Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Investigations show that the bridge is in worse condition than previously thought. Because safety for heavy traffic cannot be guaranteed at this time, the bridge will remain closed for at least one week. (E-)bicyclists and pedestrians can still use the bridge.
Recently, the bridge has been extensively inspected. It was discovered that the structure has more damage than previously known. The first repair works will start next week, followed by additional inspections. Afterwards, it will be assessed whether the bridge can be reopened until it is fully restored.
Traffic and detours
During the closure, car traffic will be diverted via Hoofdweg and Zeilstraat. The bridge was already closed for boats. That remains the case.
Tram line 1 temporarily follows a different route:
Lelylaan – Surinameplein roundabout – Hoofdweg – Postjesweg – Kinkerstraat – Bilderdijkstraat – 1e Constantijn Huygensstraat – Overtoom.
The tram travels the same route back.
About the bridge
The Overtoomse Sluis Bridge was built in 1948 as a bascule bridge, a movable bridge that can open to allow ships to pass. The bridge is named after the Overtoom and the Overtoomse Sluis that were located here in the past. On the bridge stand two sculptures by artist Hildo Krop. One depicts men pulling ships over the height difference with ropes, a reference to the earlier work at the Overtoom.
Since 1971, tram line 1 has run over the bridge. Tram line 11 also used it temporarily: between 1993 and 1996 and from 2018 to 2020.
Want to know more?
Next week, we will conduct further research on the bridge. We will publish an update in our news overview as soon as more is known about the repair and reopening of the bridge.