The Municipality of Breda has completed the feasibility study on the future of the Northern Ring Road. Due to the citys growth, traffic pressure on this route is increasing. Action is urgently needed. The study shows that previously examined tunnel options are not feasible: they are too expensive and technically very complex to construct, resulting in prolonged closures. Alternatives exist that are more feasible and affordable.
Why this study was necessary
Since the earlier design in 2021, circumstances have changed. The national government mainly invests in maintenance rather than expansion, and there is still no funding available for large projects like the NRW. We are working together with the national government and region on future mobility solutions and their financing. Meanwhile, traffic pressure and livability issues continue to increase. Therefore, alternatives had to be reassessed.
Main conclusions
- Tunnel option; solves many issues but is financially unfeasible and structurally too complex due to years of closures.
- Half sunken option; a promising choice: lower costs, practical construction, less noise and barrier effects, and good improvement of traffic safety and flow.
- At-grade option; the cheapest, but addresses bottlenecks limitedly and leads to more cut-through traffic in surrounding neighborhoods.
What does the half sunken option involve?
This solution places the road partly lower but not fully underground. This improves crossing ability and reduces noise and disturbance. The option offers many benefits of a tunnel but at significantly lower costs and with a more feasible construction process.