Utrecht bridges switch to remote operation as boating season begins
From 1 April, five bridges in Utrecht Province will be remotely controlled from a central location, improving efficiency for boaters and road users. The change ends a temporary on-site operation period and ensures smoother waterway traffic during the boating season.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bridges affected | Vreeland, Cronenburgh, Nieuwe Wetering, Eem, Male |
| Start date | 1 April 2026 |
| Control centre location | Nieuwegein |
| Request bridge openings | Phone: 06-42458075 or VHF (Eem & Male) |
| Operating hours | Unchanged |
The Province of Utrecht is responsible for managing and maintaining waterways and bridges within its jurisdiction. This initiative reflects its role in ensuring safe and efficient infrastructure for both maritime and road traffic.
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Bridges in Utrecht Province to be remotely operated again from 1 April
With the start of the boating season, five bridges in Utrecht Province will be remotely operated from a central control location from 1 April 2026. This marks an important step in modernising bridge operations on the provincial waterways.
Over the past period, the bridges over the Eem and Vecht rivers have been equipped with new cameras and updated control systems. As a result, they can be operated from the new control centre in Nieuwegein from April onwards.
Since 1 January 2025, the Vreeland Bridge, Cronenburgh Bridge, Nieuwe Wetering Bridge, Eem Bridge and Male Bridge have been temporarily operated on-site by bridge keepers. This was necessary because the old control centre was no longer usable. With the commissioning of the new centre, this temporary solution is no longer required.
Operating hours unchanged
The operating hours remain unchanged. From 1 April 2026, bridge openings for these five bridges can be requested by calling 06-42458075, and for the Eem Bridge and Male Bridge also via VHF radio.
For press information: 06 39 63 22 46