A76 access road closure in Bocholtz: safer roads but longer detours ahead
From 30 March 2026, drivers in Bocholtz will face longer routes as the Preutersweg access to the A76 closes permanently. The move aims to improve safety but may add travel time for locals and businesses.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Preutersweg, Bocholtz (Limburg) |
| Closure Date | 30 March 2026 |
| Affected Route | Access to A76 via Preutersweg/Tienbaan |
| Alternative Routes | N281, Stevensweg, N300 |
| Reason for Closure | Unsafe rat runs, ghost drivers |
| Legal Basis | Royal Decree (2025) |
| Pedestrian Access | Remains open |
Rijkswaterstaat manages the Netherlands' national road network, ensuring safety and efficiency. This closure aligns with their mandate to reduce hazardous traffic situations on motorways and rest areas.
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Read the full translated article below
Preutersweg access road to A76 permanently closed from 30 March 2026
Published on: 18 March 2026, 16:06
From Monday 30 March 2026, Rijkswaterstaat will close the access roads between Preutersweg in Bocholtz and the Tienbaan rest area along the A76. This means it will no longer be possible to drive from Preutersweg onto the A76 or vice versa.
Traffic can use the regular roads such as the N281 or Stevensweg.
Closed system
The Tienbaan rest area is intended as a rest stop for road users on the A76. They can safely stop here to rest, refuel or grab something to eat.
Rest areas are part of the motorway and are designated as 30 km/h zones. Rest areas are not part of connections to the surrounding area: motorways are a so-called ‘closed system’.
Rat run
In practice, the route via Preutersweg is frequently used as a rat run between the A76 and the local road network. This leads to unsafe situations, including ghost drivers on the site and dangerous encounters with traffic using the rest area at higher speeds as a through route.
To reduce these risks, a Royal Decree was issued in 2025 to permanently close and remove the connection. No objections or appeals can be made against this decision. The closure has already been announced with road signs. The physical closure will be implemented using concrete blocks on the access road.
Pedestrians can continue to use the route between the rest area and Preutersweg.
Original purpose of the access roads
The access roads at Preutersweg served as a temporary connection during the construction of the Avantis business park. The site was completed in 2001. After that, these roads were to be removed. Due to the unsafe situations, we are now proceeding with the actual closure.
Route
Traffic can use the regular municipal and provincial roads such as the N281 or N300. Work traffic between Avantis or Trilandis and the Bocholtz centre can continue to use Stevensweg. Companies will be informed separately about the routing.