Excavation damage in the Netherlands drops slightly in 2025, but risks and costs remain high
Fewer excavation damages were reported in 2025, but with 130 incidents daily and €48 million in repair costs, the issue still hits wallets and safety. Poor underground mapping remains the main cause, risking gas leaks, power outages, and delays for businesses and residents.
| Key Data Point | Value |
|---|---|
| Total excavation damages (2025) | 47,383 |
| Daily average (2025) | 130 |
| Repair costs (2025) | €48 million |
| Excavation damages (2024) | ~50,000 |
| Daily average (2024) | 137 |
| Excavation notifications (2025) | 914,753 |
| Main cause of damages | Inaccurate cable/pipeline localisation (~60%) |
| Guidelines for prevention | CROW 500 |
The Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (RDI) oversees the safety and reliability of underground infrastructure, ensuring compliance with regulations like the CROW 500 guidelines. Its role includes monitoring excavation damages and promoting collaboration among grid operators, contractors, and clients to prevent incidents.
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Slight decrease in excavation damage in 2025, but problem remains significant
The number of excavation damages in the Netherlands saw a slight decrease in 2025. A total of 47,383 excavation damages were recorded in the Netherlands in 2025, averaging 130 per day. This is slightly lower than the nearly 50,000 damages in 2024, when the daily average was 137. The repair costs amounted to €48 million. According to the Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur, RDI), most damages still occur because cables and pipelines are not accurately located.
Although the total number of damages is decreasing, the cause often remains the same: insufficient localisation of cables and pipelines. Approximately 60% of incidents occur because contractors performing excavation work (ground excavators) do not precisely know what lies underground.
According to the RDI, many damages could be prevented if all parties in the excavation chain – grid operators, clients, and ground excavators – collaborate more effectively. Fewer excavation damages increase safety by reducing risks of gas leaks, power outages, and disruptions. At the same time, businesses and society save costs and delays by avoiding unnecessary repairs and downtime.
The correct localisation of underground infrastructure is outlined in the CROW 500 guidelines, which prescribe steps from preparation to execution. Grid operators provide reliable information in a timely manner, and clients map the underground thoroughly during the design phase.
Meanwhile, the number of excavation notifications via the KLIC system continues to grow: in 2025, 914,753 notifications were made. The congestion underground is increasing due to the energy transition, housing construction, and the rollout of digital infrastructure, making collaboration and careful work essential.