The national government and Zeeland have made new agreements about accessibility and livability in our province. This took place during the annual Administrative Consultation on the Multi-Year Program for Infrastructure, Space and Transport (BO MIRT). Deputies Harry van der Maas and Dick van der Velde represented Zeeland at the table.
Good accessibility is essential for Zeeland. Our province offers space for new housing, employment, the energy transition and the manufacturing industry. At the same time, Zeelands island structure makes it vulnerable: we depend on a limited number of connections. Therefore, Zeeland continues to work together with the national government on strong and future-proof infrastructure, fitting the ambitions of Zeeland 2050. Various topics were raised and discussed during the administrative consultation.
Research into the future of the Zeeland Bridge
The Zeeland Bridge is nearing the end of its technical lifespan. Therefore, the national government and the province are starting a joint study into various possibilities for the crossing over the Eastern Scheldt. This includes looking at renewing the bridge (2x1 lanes), but also the option of a new, wider connection (2x2 lanes). The results of this study are expected by the end of 2026 and will form the basis for follow-up decisions.
Investments in roads and public transport
The national government will invest in the Zeeland road network in the coming years. For example, there is a contribution of €20 million for the first part of the Deltaweg near Goes. The province had already reserved the same amount of €20 million for this project. The national government is also providing €5 million for the adjustment of the N57 roundabout near Serooskerke to improve traffic flow.
Deputy Harry van der Maas: “It is good that the national government invests in Zeeland infrastructure. For years, the N57 roundabout near Serooskerke has been a traffic bottleneck. Thanks to the national contribution, this bottleneck will be addressed. The contribution of €20 million is also an important impulse, allowing us to take the first steps to tackle the Deltaweg.”
In addition, €6.5 million has been allocated for the construction of a new regional hub (bus station) in Terneuzen. Other Zeeland applications for housing and mobility were not honored. Zeeland has expressed disappointment about this and indicated that additional investments are needed to further grow the province.
Vlaketunnel and train connections
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management will look into how the Vlaketunnel can be opened faster during incidents. Research is being done into possible emergency bypasses that allow traffic to be diverted more quickly and what improvements are possible during the planned renovation.
Zeeland also continues to call attention to an extra train connection (fourth train), which is under study as part of Wind in the Sails. The State Secretary has promised to discuss this with the province.
Implementation pact Zeeland – North Sea Port
Finally, the implementation pact Zeeland – North Sea Port has been established. Zeeland and the ports of North Sea Port form a logistics hub on the Dutch freight transport corridors that ensure a good connection for freight transport between the largest Dutch sea and inland ports, other hubs and the European hinterland. The implementation pact includes various actions, including efforts for truck parking and inland shipping in Zeeland. The national government contributes 1 million euros to this, and North Sea Port and the Province of Zeeland together also contribute 1 million euros.
More information
Provincial States have been informed by letter about the outcomes of the BO MIRT and the agreements made. This letter provides a comprehensive overview of the topics and next steps.