Much fewer closures of the Maastunnel

This is evident from an evaluation of lowering the maximum clearance height from 4 to 3.9 meters, which took effect a year ago.

Traffic jams caused by overheight trucks 

The reason for the reduction on March 4, 2025, was that there were about 50 reports per week of overheight trucks not allowed through the Maastunnel. In such cases, traffic lights turn red, barriers close, and the tunnel is closed in both directions so the truck can turn around. This process takes on average 4 minutes and repeatedly causes traffic congestion around the tunnel.

These closures have caused traffic jams and irritation for road users for years, delayed bus connections, and also caused annoyance for local residents. 

It simply works very well. Transport companies comply properly with the new rules and increasingly follow alternative routes. Traffic flow has greatly improved, which saves a lot of delays and annoyance.

Many actions aimed at drivers 

The lowering of the height restriction was accompanied by the replacement of a total of 150 traffic signs, a communication campaign aimed at drivers and transport companies, and adjustments to signage and route planners. Now every truck taller than 3.90m is directed via an alternative route.

Measure has desired effect

The goal is to reduce the number of tunnel closures by 80%. That it has been reduced by 75% after one year shows the measure is effective. According to alderman Pascal Lansink-Bastemeijer (including Mobility), there is no reason to further adjust the height restriction. ‘It simply works very well. Transport companies comply properly with the new rules and increasingly follow alternative routes. Traffic flow has greatly improved, which saves a lot of delays and annoyance. That is pure gain for car traffic, public transport, emergency services, and residents in the wider area.’

Truck traffic redirected to other routes

Truck traffic that can no longer pass through the Maastunnel now drives via alternative routes, such as the Erasmus Bridge or the Queen’s Bridge. The increase in trucks on those routes has not led to additional delays or nuisance.
The municipality has analyzed data for a year to draw reliable conclusions about the measure. After all, weather influences affect the amount of traffic on the road. Roadworks can also lead to changing traffic patterns.

For more information about the measure and the (history of the) Maastunnel, visit https://www.rotterdam.nl/oeververbindingen#maastunnel.