Groningen upgrades diversion routes ahead of Gerrit Krol Bridge construction
Groningen is enhancing safety and traffic flow for cyclists and pedestrians with 11 improvements to diversion routes before the Gerrit Krol Bridge construction starts late 2026. Residents can expect better crossings, cycle paths, and an information centre for updates.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total measures | 11 |
| Funding | Rijkswaterstaat (€900,000), Municipality (€200,000) |
| Affected areas | Korrewegwijk, De Hoogte, Oosterparkwijk, De Hunze, Ulgersmaborg, Oosterhoogebrug |
| Improved intersections | Bedumerweg–Molukkenstraat, Florakade–Oostersluis, Pop Dijkemaweg–Heerdenpad, etc. |
| Bridge upgrades | Boterdiepbrug, Oliemuldersbrug |
| New pedestrian path | Oosterhamriklaan (near Sint Franciscusschool) |
| Visible bollards | Beijumerweg–Berlageweg, Oosterhamriklaan–Antillenstraat, others |
| Information centre opens | April 2026 (Ulgersmaweg) |
| Construction start | End of 2026 |
The Municipality of Groningen is responsible for local infrastructure projects, including the maintenance and improvement of bridges and traffic routes. In this case, it collaborates with Rijkswaterstaat to ensure safe and efficient diversion routes during the Gerrit Krol Bridge construction.
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Municipality to improve diversion routes for new Gerrit Krol Bridge construction
The municipal executive of Mayor and Aldermen intends to improve the diversion routes required for the new construction of the Gerrit Krol Bridge at numerous locations. In total, the municipality is implementing 11 measures to enhance the safety of these routes. The measures will also improve traffic flow. The municipality is also considering social safety and will take action where necessary. The routes are being improved because significantly more cyclists and pedestrians will be using them in the future.
Construction on the new Gerrit Krol Bridge will begin at the end of 2026. The current pedestrian and cyclist bridges will then be removed. The municipality is working to establish a new temporary connection across the Van Starkenborgh Canal, but this decision rests with the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Permanent improvements
The permanent improvements to the diversion routes, which run through the Korrewegwijk, De Hoogte, the Oosterparkwijk, De Hunze, Ulgersmaborg, and Oosterhoogebrug, will largely be funded by Rijkswaterstaat (RWS). RWS is contributing nearly €900,000, while the municipality is contributing €200,000. The improvements involve the following intersections:
- Bedumerweg – Molukkenstraat
- Florakade – Oostersluis
- Pop Dijkemaweg – Heerdenpad
- Pop Dijkemaweg – Kardingeweg
- Pop Dijkemaweg – Stratinghpad
- Stamstraat – Heerdenpad
Bridges
Additionally, cycling lanes will be added to the Boterdiepbrug (the bridge between Berlageweg and Groningerweg/N361), and the Oliemuldersbrug (at the end of Oosterhamrikkade) will also be improved.
Oosterhamriklaan cycle path
Next to the cycle path on Oosterhamriklaan, at the location of the Sint Franciscusschool, a pedestrian path will be constructed.
Bollards
Finally, the municipality will ensure that bollards are more visible at the following intersections: Beijumerweg – Berlageweg, Oosterhamriklaan – Antillenstraat, other locations along Oosterhamriklaan, and along Pop Dijkemaweg.
The diversion routes must be completed by the end of 2026, before construction on the new Gerrit Krol Bridge begins.
Information centre
From April 2026, a former bridgekeeper’s house on Ulgersmaweg will serve as an information centre. This will allow the municipality to remain accessible to residents who anticipate facing issues during the bridge construction, especially if the canal connection is temporarily unavailable.
The former bridgekeeper’s house on Ulgersmaweg in Groningen, near the Gerrit Krol Bridge.