Planning
On Friday, June 6, after 4:00 PM, the bridge will be brought to the bank of the canal. This will be done with special vehicles (SPMTs) that can carry the 1,750-ton heavy bridge. Between 6:00 PM and no later than 12:00 AM, the bridge will be driven onto the pontoons in the Twente Canal on one side. The bridge deck will then partially extend over the navigation channel. On Saturday morning, starting at 7:00 AM, the launching will continue. It is expected that the Nettelhorster Bridge will be in position on the land heads by Saturday evening, June 7.
Watching via Webcam
The bridge launching goes very slowly. Therefore, we will place a webcam. This way you can also see from home how the Nettelhorster Bridge is being placed in its position. From June 6 in the afternoon, the link to the webcam will be on our project page gelderland.nl/N346.
Timelapse
We will capture the launching moment with a photo report (timelapse). We will share these video images during the week after the launching via social media and our website.
Viewing Area
On Saturday, June 7, you can also come and watch from a viewing area along the Stationsweg. This is accessible via the new stairs near the Lochem Bridge. For cyclists and people with disabilities, this is accessible via the Ampsense Knot, the new bike path to the station.
Come by bike or on foot. The number of parking spaces at the train station and the town hall is very limited.
Traffic Diversion and No Shipping Possible
To ensure a safe viewing area, the Lochem Bridge will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from Friday evening, June 6, at 7:00 PM until Saturday, June 7. A diversion will be set up via the Hanzeweg, Rondweg-West, and the Exelse Bridge. The bridge is open for pedestrians and cyclists. The businesses on Kwinkweerd are accessible via the intersection with Rengersweg.
For safety, the Twente Canal will be closed to shipping throughout the weekend. This agreement was made together with Rijkswaterstaat.
Autumn Bridge Open for Traffic
Once the bridge is in position, construction company BAM will ensure the further completion of the bridge. The provincial road will also be connected to the bridge on both sides. In the autumn of 2025, the Nettelhorster Bridge will open for motor vehicle traffic and the N346 Schakel Achterhoek-A1 project will be completed. The date for the opening will be announced in August.