Harlingen's Southern Pier closes for essential maintenance: what you need to know
From April 7, Harlingen's Southern Pier will close for two weeks during daytime for crucial maintenance. Cyclists and pedestrians must plan alternative routes, as the pier plays a vital role in protecting the port and ferry terminal from storms.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Pier, port of Harlingen, Fryslân |
| Duration of closure | April 7 – April 17, 2026 (weekdays, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM) |
| Maintenance length | Approximately 400 meters of the pier |
| Work involved | Applying elastocoast to secure basalt blocks and improve storm resistance |
| Accessibility | Closed during work hours; accessible outside 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Safety measure | Closure due to moving equipment and construction activities |
| Protected plants | Ecologist oversees mowing; protected species left untouched |
Wetterskip Fryslân is the regional water authority responsible for managing and maintaining water defenses, including piers, dikes, and locks in the province of Fryslân. This maintenance ensures the long-term safety and functionality of critical infrastructure protecting coastal areas and ports.
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Southern Pier closed to the public for two weeks during maintenance
Wetterskip Fryslân will begin maintenance on the Southern Pier at the port of Harlingen on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Due to these maintenance activities, the pier will remain sufficiently strong to withstand waves for years to come. During the work, which is expected to last two weeks, the pier will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists during the day. This will be indicated with signs.
The Southern Pier will be closed to the public on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM from Tuesday, April 7, to Friday, April 17. Outside these hours, the pier will remain accessible. The closure is necessary for safety reasons, as equipment will be moving in and out during the maintenance work.
The function of the Southern Pier
The Southern Pier lies in front of the port of Harlingen and plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding water defenses, including the ferry terminal, the lock complex, and the retaining wall. During heavy storms, the pier reduces the force of waves hitting the defenses.
Maintenance work
The maintenance will cover approximately 400 meters of the pier. The work involves applying elastocoast (a layer of stone) in the gaps between the existing basalt blocks. Fine stones will be raked between the basalt and secured to the pier using a type of superglue. This will help keep the basalt blocks in place and make them more resistant to storms and high water levels.
Mowing first
Before maintenance begins, plants on the pier will be removed where necessary. Wetterskip Fryslân will start this process on Tuesday, April 7. Experience shows that many of these plants return on their own after the work is completed. During mowing, the water authority will leave protected plant species untouched. To determine which plants cannot be mowed, an extensive nature assessment was conducted in advance. During mowing, protected species will be marked, and an ecologist from the water authority will oversee the process.