Dorkwerd Bridge closure: steel cable replacement starts April 9
From April 9 to 12, the Dorkwerd Bridge in Groningen will close for urgent repairs after damaged steel cables were discovered. Cyclists and pedestrians can expect delays, while motorized traffic remains uncertain until safety checks are completed.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Dorkwerd Bridge, Groningen (Van Starkenborgh Canal) |
| Closure Dates | April 9–12, 2026 |
| Reopening for Cyclists | April 13, 2026 (end of day) |
| Motorized Traffic Status | Under investigation; reopening date unknown |
| Affected Bridges | Dorkwerd, Aduard, Zuidhorn (same cable issue) |
| Waterway Importance | Part of Main Waterway Lemmer-Delfzijl (critical for Friesland and Groningen) |
| Detour Routes | Existing detours remain in place |
Rijkswaterstaat is responsible for maintaining the Netherlands' waterways and infrastructure, including bridges like Dorkwerd. Their role ensures safe and efficient transport routes for both vessels and road users, minimizing disruptions to daily life.
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Dorkwerd Bridge to Receive New Steel Cables
Published on: March 18, 2026, 12:00 PM
Rijkswaterstaat will be replacing the steel cables of Dorkwerd Bridge from Thursday, April 9, to Sunday, April 12, 2026. Until then, the bridge will remain closed to all traffic. The existing detour routes will remain in place.
Dorkwerd Bridge No Longer Safe to Operate
In November 2025, we discovered that the steel cables of Dorkwerd Bridge were damaged. As a result, we could no longer safely operate the bridge. We immediately ordered new steel cables, which have now arrived. If the work proceeds according to plan, we will test the bridge on Sunday, April 12. After that, we will clear the area around the bridge, including the removal of construction barriers and other fencing materials. Following this, the bridge will reopen for cyclists and pedestrians.
What Will We Be Doing?
On Thursday, April 9, the contractor will begin setting up the work site and preparing to replace the cables. This will take place on both sides of the bridge. On Saturday morning, April 11, work on the cables will commence. The bridge will then be lowered but will remain closed to all traffic.
If everything goes according to plan, the work will be completed by the end of Sunday, April 12. The bridge can then be tested. On Monday, April 13, we will clear the area around the bridge, and by the end of the day, the bridge will reopen for cyclists and pedestrians.
Reopening for Motorized Traffic
We are currently still investigating whether the bridge is safe for motorized traffic. Only after this investigation is complete can we decide whether the bridge can reopen to this group.
Status of Table Bridges Over the Van Starkenborgh Canal
In December 2025, it was discovered that three bridges over the Van Starkenborgh Canal had the same issue. These bridges also have cable breaks. In addition to the bridge in Dorkwerd, this applies to the table bridges in Aduard and Zuidhorn. In Aduard, an extensive inspection was conducted. This bridge is still safe to operate, but its cables will also be replaced.
New cables have been ordered for all three bridges. These cables are not kept in stock and must be custom-made. As a result, they could not be delivered any earlier than mid-March 2026. The cables for the Zuidhorn bridge have already been replaced in February. The cables for the Aduard bridge will be replaced last, as this bridge is still safe to use.
Importance of the Main Waterway Lemmer-Delfzijl
The bridge in Dorkwerd is part of the Main Waterway Lemmer-Delfzijl (HLD). This waterway runs through Friesland and Groningen and is one of the most important waterways in the Netherlands.
More Information About the Dorkwerd Bridge Work
Do you have any questions or comments about these works? Please contact us.