Algerabrug closed for 4 weeks instead of 6

The Algerabrug will be closed to road traffic for 4 weeks instead of 6, starting on 10 August 2026. Rijkswaterstaat and contractor Savera Over-Bruggen have been able to shorten the schedule for the major maintenance work on the bridge by starting earlier and combining tasks. This means most of the closure will fall during the summer holidays, minimising disruption for residents and businesses.

To make this schedule possible, preparatory work will begin on the auxiliary lane three weeks before the closure. As this requires lane narrowing, a speed limit of 30 km/h will apply across the entire bridge during this period. The shortened schedule is also feasible due to longer working hours and preparatory work taking place on several weekends. For shipping, the closure of the lock chamber will now start earlier but will be reduced from 12 to 11 weeks.

Schedule and consequences

Road traffic

• From Monday 20 July to Monday 10 August, there will be lane narrowing and a 30 km/h speed limit on both the main carriageway and the auxiliary lane.
• The main carriageway will be closed from Monday 10 August to Monday 7 September. The auxiliary lane will then only be open to emergency services, so response times will not be affected.
• Traffic will be diverted via provincial roads, Gouda and the A20. This route will also be busy, with additional travel time potentially exceeding one hour.
• Road users are therefore advised to consider working from home, cycling, using public transport and/or the Waterbus (or travelling outside peak hours) where possible.

Cyclists and pedestrians

(Moped) cyclists and pedestrians will still be able to cross the Algerabrug via a temporary pedestrian/cycle bridge. Transfer points will be set up on both sides of the bridge, making it easy to continue your journey by public transport and/or Waterbus if needed.

Shipping

• The lock chamber will be closed from Monday 13 July to Monday 28 September.
• The fixed part of the bridge will remain available during the work, up to approximately 8.40 metres above NAP.

Before and after the closure, longer bridge openings will be required on several nights for work on the flap in the open position and for adjusting the new mechanical system. Traffic may have to wait longer for bridge openings or be diverted. After the closure, the auxiliary lane will also be resurfaced. For the full schedule, visit rijkswaterstaat.nl/onderhoudalgerabrug.

Municipal work

During the closure, the municipalities on both sides will also carry out work on the approach bridges, so that separate closures will not be needed in the future. On the Krimpen aan den IJssel side, the main carriageway will be resurfaced and the railings on the cycle path will be treated. On the Capelle aan den IJssel side, the cycle path will be widened.

Requires adaptation from all of us

Wubbo Tempel, alderman for the municipality of Krimpen aan den IJssel, said: ‘It is positive that the bridge will now be closed for 4 weeks instead of 6. This means most of the closure falls during the summer holidays, reducing the disruption. We understand that this will have a significant impact on all residents. It requires adaptation from all of us. By working from home or cycling, we can keep the region accessible.’

Minimising disruption

The major maintenance work on the Algerabrug is being carried out by Savera Over-Bruggen (Hollandia Services and SPIE Nederland). Project manager Pieter Stip said: ‘Together with Rijkswaterstaat, we have worked hard on a schedule that minimises disruption. Safety and careful work remain a priority, of course. Initially, 6 weeks were planned for the work, but we have been able to shorten this to 4 weeks. It was a major puzzle, but we are reducing the inconvenience as much as possible.’

Additional travel facilities

Menno Kamp, environment manager at Rijkswaterstaat, said: ‘To help people as much as possible during the work, we are investing heavily in additional facilities. For example, a temporary (cycle) bridge will be built so that people can always walk or cycle across the Algerabrug. We are also creating extra transfer points where travellers can switch to cycling, (shuttle) buses, the Waterbus or metro.’

Major maintenance on the Algerabrug

Every day, around 47,000 vehicles and 7,600 cyclists and pedestrians cross the Algerabrug between Krimpen aan den IJssel and Capelle aan den IJssel. In the summer of 2026, Rijkswaterstaat will carry out urgent and necessary major maintenance on the bridge, which dates back to 1958. The wooden beams and steel longitudinal girders of the bridge flap will be replaced, and the mechanical system in the bridge basement will be renovated. The fixed part of the bridge will also be resurfaced. This maintenance will ensure the Algerabrug remains safe and accessible for years to come and will prevent unexpected closures, keeping the region accessible for everyone. For more information about the work and travel alternatives, visit rijkswaterstaat.nl/onderhoudalgerabrug.

Fixed or flexible?

Rijkswaterstaat is replacing or renovating a large number of ageing bridges, tunnels and roads in Zuid-Holland over the coming years. Read more about the work in the Zuid-Holland region. Would you like to travel more efficiently and avoid disruption during the work? Prepare well in advance. Visit the Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar website for an overview of major work in Zuid-Holland and inspiration for smarter and more sustainable travel. Employers and logistics companies can also find tips on mobility, arrangements and more efficient logistics on this website. Together, we will keep Zuid-Holland moving over the coming years.

More information

For more information about the above work, visit the Rijkswaterstaat Traffic Information website or call the national information line of Rijkswaterstaat: 0800-8002 (free).