As of September 4, 2025, the Coen Bridge on the A8 near Koog aan de Zaan will reopen for high shipping. This marks the end of the long closure of the Coen Bridge for standing masts for the last part of the 2025 sailing season.
The original opening was scheduled for earlier this summer. However, during the last tests, it became clear that the spring buffers used, parts that act as shock absorbers under the bridge deck, did not meet the required quality. Because this is crucial for safety, these parts were first replaced.
Restoration, Reinforcement, and Renewal
In recent months, Rijkswaterstaat has also repaired and reinforced concrete and steel structures and renewed moving parts. The operation, control, and drive have also been adjusted. Thanks to these works, the bridge can now be operated safely.
Ron Minnaar, director of Network Management at Rijkswaterstaat: ‘Especially with a bridge like the Coen Bridge, which has a lot of road and waterway traffic, you cannot take any risks. That we can now reopen for standing masts and high professional shipping is a milestone.’
Not finished yet: noise-reducing plates
The work on the bridge is not yet fully completed. Starting November 1, 2025, after the sailing season, we will install noise-reducing plates under the bridge. This will reduce the experienced traffic noise, which has long been a wish of local residents.
During these works, the bridge cannot be operated and will therefore be closed for high shipping. These works will be combined with works on the Prince William Alexander Bridge of the municipality of Zaanstad to minimize inconvenience.
Councilor Havens and Waterways of the municipality of Zaanstad Gerard Slegers: ‘Noise-reducing measures have long been a wish of the neighborhood. By planning these works after the sailing season, Rijkswaterstaat minimizes disruption to shipping and improves the living environment around the bridge.’
Information Coen Bridge for road and waterway users
For current waterway information about operating times and closures, waterway users can visit the website Waterway Information . The opening of the bridge for shipping means that road users on the A8 may encounter an open bridge. Traffic on the A8 may be inconvenienced by this. We monitor the situation and keep a close eye on traffic flow.