Major maintenance on Walcheren Canal bridges causes months of traffic disruptions
From 25 March to 18 September 2026, essential maintenance on bridges and mooring posts in the Canal through Walcheren will cause significant traffic disruptions. Drivers, cyclists, and shipping should prepare for diversions and limited access, especially near Vlissingen and Middelburg.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration of Works | 25 March – 18 September 2026 |
| Main Bridges Affected | Keersluis Bridge (Vlissingen), Arnebrug (Middelburg) |
| Closure Periods | Keersluis: 25 March – 3 April 2026; Arnebrug: 25 April – 3 May 2026 |
| Diversion Routes | Keersluis: via Sloebrug; Arnebrug: via A58 (cars), pontoon bridge (other traffic) |
| Weekend Work | Yes, including weekends |
| Shipping Disruption | Limited; bridges accessible at specific times on weekdays |
| Mooring Restrictions | Edisonkade sheet piling and mooring posts unavailable during works |
The Province of Zeeland, responsible for the management of regional waterways and infrastructure, oversees these maintenance works to ensure the safety and functionality of bridges and mooring posts. Regular upkeep prevents long-term disruptions and extends the lifespan of critical transport routes.
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Painting work on the Canal through Walcheren
From Wednesday, 25 March to Friday, 18 September 2026, various painting works will take place on bridges and mooring posts in the Canal through Walcheren. Additionally, the 8 dolphins (groups of sturdy piles in the water) near the Zeeland Bridge will receive a facelift.
Due to the traffic disruption caused by the works on the Keersluis Bridge in Vlissingen and the Arnebrug in Middelburg, other works will be carried out simultaneously, such as replacing the wearing layer on the carriageway of the movable part of the bridge, railing work, and road markings. By combining the works, we aim to reduce disruption in the period that follows. Work will also continue during weekends in this period.
Traffic disruption at Keersluis Bridge in Vlissingen and Arnebrug in Middelburg
During the works on the Keersluis Bridge in Vlissingen and the Arnebrug in Middelburg, both bridges will be closed to traffic and shipping. Expect traffic disruption.
- From Wednesday, 25 March to Friday, 3 April 2026, work will be carried out on the Keersluis Bridge in Vlissingen. During these works, car traffic will be diverted via the Sloebrug. Other traffic can use the Binnenkeersluis. View the works and diversion routes via: Melvin: M514160: Keersluisbrug Vlissingen Renovation / maintenance of Bridge Conservation work & replacement of road surface wearing layer.
- From Saturday, 25 April to Sunday, 3 May 2026, work will take place on the Arnebrug in Middelburg. During these works, car traffic will be diverted via the A58. For other traffic, a pontoon bridge will be set up on the west side. View the works and diversion routes via: Melvin: M514174: Arnebrug Middelburg Renovation / maintenance of Bridge Conservation work & replacement of road surface wearing layer.
Other bridges, mooring posts, and sheet piling
During the painting works on the other bridges in the Canal through Walcheren, car traffic will not experience any disruption. Cyclists, pedestrians, and shipping will experience very limited disruption. During weekdays, shipping can use the bridges until 08:00, between 12:00 and 13:00, and after 17:00. No work will be carried out at weekends, and there will be no disruption to road traffic or shipping.
During the works on the mooring posts and sheet piling, there will be no disruption to shipping. However, it will not be possible to moor at the Edisonkade sheet piling and the mooring posts during the execution period.
The final planning of these works will be communicated in further announcements via the website and social media.