On May 16, 2025, the Province of North Holland officially connected the Braaksluis and Molenkolksluis in Kolhorn to the central control center Weg- en Waterhuis De Lange Balk.
This means that 35 bridges and locks are now remotely operated from the control center of the Province of North Holland. In the coming years, the last bridges and locks will follow.
Last winter, the province connected 10 bridges and locks to the central in Heerhugowaard. Since the start in 2019, a total of 35 bridges and locks have now been linked to the control center of the Province of North Holland. The Braaksluis and Molenkolksluis are currently the last ones. In the coming years, several more bridges and locks will follow, including the Koopvaardersschutsluis and new or renovated bridges and locks. Additionally, the province also aims to centrally operate bridges and locks from other authorities from Weg- en Waterhuis De Lange Balk.
Better Flow on Road and Water
The province wants to stimulate transportation over water. For this purpose, the control center for bridges and locks was created in Weg- & Waterhuis De Langebalk in Heerhugowaard. From the control center, operators can safely manage bridges and locks in North Holland from one central location. The opening of bridges is coordinated to ensure better flow for both shipping and road traffic.
Local Operation of Locks Remains in Summer
Although most of the operation is now centralized, all locks in the province will remain locally staffed between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM during the summer period. The demand for operation during that period is so high that it is more efficient to have a lock keeper on site. Additionally, local operation during the summer months plays an important social role for passing ships and local residents.
More Information
The operating times of the bridges and locks will remain unchanged after connecting to the control center. Information about operating times or possible disruptions of bridges and locks can be found on the website www.vaarweginformatie.nl Opens an external link .
For questions about work, (navigation) road users and local residents can contact the Service Point at 0800-0200 600 (free) or by email servicepunt@noord-holland.nl. Information about central operation can also be followed via www.noord-holland.nl/centralebediening Opens an external link .