N203 Krommenie: start of development of design variants and participation

The study examines what is technically feasible and what is not. The research covers the provincial road from the intersection with Busch and Dam up to and including the intersection with the N246.

In the variant study, the province investigates whether a different road layout or other measures can help improve traffic flow on the N203. Better traffic flow means less nuisance for residents.

Last May, it appeared that a new connection between the A8 and A9 hardly improves regional accessibility and livability in North Holland above the North Sea Canal. The same study also showed that a sunken position of the N203 may have a positive effect on local accessibility and livability in Krommenie and Assendelft. Therefore, the province is investigating whether a different layout of the N203 is possible and which options can improve the situation for residents in Krommenie and Assendelft. This is done together with the Amsterdam Transport Region and the municipality of Zaanstad.

Variants to be investigated

The following variants are being considered. These come from earlier studies into a possible connection between the A8 and A9:

• Variant 50-kilometer layout 2x2: existing road, everywhere 50 kilometers per hour;
• Variant 50-kilometer layout 2x1: make existing road narrower, one lane per direction and everywhere 50 kilometers per hour;
• Variant Next to the railway 2x2: road laid as much as possible along the railway, 2 lanes per direction;
• Variant Next to the railway 2x1: road laid as much as possible along the railway, 1 lane per direction;
• Variant Sunken position from the A8-A9 Connection project: through traffic drives via a sunken road next to the existing N203.

The study should lead to a preferred variant.

Involving the community

The province involves the community in the variant study. At the end of March, the first meeting of a sounding board group will take place. This sounding board group reviews the sketches of the variants and provides input. The group includes several direct residents, representatives of local residents groups and interest organizations such as the Militaireweg and Willis residents groups and the Cyclists Union. The ANWB, Forbo, the DOKA retailers association, Buurkrachtteam Langeheit, Platform Krommenie and Stichting Agathebuurt have also been invited to participate. Residents can provide ideas and tips through the sounding board group. In addition, discussions have been held with other involved parties, such as the water board, NS, ProRail and water company PWN.

Choice of preferred variant end of 2026

The variants will be presented before summer. An event will be organized for interested parties. More information will follow in due course. After summer, advice will be given on which variant is preferred. Then it is up to politics to make a choice. That decision is expected to be made at the end of 2026.