Major A12 IJssel Bridge closure in April: How to avoid traffic chaos near Arnhem
From April 7 to May 14, 2026, the IJssel Bridge on the A12 near Arnhem will close for essential maintenance, cutting lanes and reducing speeds. Expect severe congestion—plan ahead, work from home, or use public transport to save time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | IJssel Bridge on the A12 near Arnhem, Gelderland |
| Closure Period | April 7 – May 14, 2026 |
| Lanes Available | 2 per direction (reduced from 4) |
| Speed Limit | 70 km/h |
| On/Off-Ramps | Remain open |
| Expected Delays | Up to 60 minutes |
| Alternatives | Public transport, carpooling, cycling, off-peak travel, or working from home |
| Project Website | A12 Slim Reizen |
Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch executive agency for infrastructure, manages and maintains national roads and waterways, including the A12. This maintenance ensures the long-term safety and functionality of critical transport routes like the IJssel Bridge.
Unfiltered ☕
Openrijk brings government news unfiltered to you. But that does cost us the necessary caffeine.
Read the full translated article below
Maintenance on the IJssel Bridge: work from home or travel smart!
In the spring of 2026, Rijkswaterstaat will carry out major maintenance on the concrete IJssel Bridge on the A12 near Arnhem. From Tuesday, April 7 to Thursday, May 14, the carriageway of this bridge will be closed.
Traffic in both directions will then use the 4 lanes of the steel bridges on the A12: 2 lanes towards Germany and 2 lanes towards Utrecht. This will temporarily reduce the number of lanes from 4 to 2 per direction, and a maximum speed limit of 70 kilometers per hour will apply. The on- and off-ramps on both sides of the bridge will remain open to traffic.
Smart Travel
The work is expected to cause significant traffic congestion in the region. Rijkswaterstaat is urging road users to avoid the A12 as much as possible during this period and to take the upcoming roadworks into account when planning trips. Work from home where possible, travel outside peak hours, or choose alternatives such as public transport, carpooling, or cycling.
Do you still need to travel? Plan your trip carefully and allow for an additional 60 minutes of travel time. Visit the project website: A12 Slim reizen for information and tips to keep the region accessible.