Published on: January 15, 2026, 14:33
From January 2026, buses may also use the emergency lane on the A2 during traffic jams. This concerns the section between Leenderheide junction and Leende in the southbound direction.
With this measure, Rijkswaterstaat, Province of Noord-Brabant and Brainport Bereikbaar encourage the use of public transport and collaborate to improve accessibility of the Brainport region. To drive on the emergency lane, carriers must apply for a permit. This application is supported by Brainport Bereikbaar. Ultimately, we assess and issue the permit.
Bus carrier Hermes has already been granted a permit to pass traffic jams on the A2; they will do so when necessary. An important condition is that buses must be recognizable as line buses or as company transport with a permit to drive on the emergency lane. Both public transport services and private transport for employees or students can apply for a permit.
How has the emergency lane been adapted?
To make the emergency lane suitable for bus transport, four breakdown bays with lighting have been constructed. At the Heezerhut viaduct, the connection is fully paved to allow buses to smoothly enter and exit the road. Special signs also indicate to road users that buses may now drive on the emergency lane during traffic jams.
Rijkswaterstaat, Province of Noord-Brabant, the municipalities of Waalre, Valkenswaard and Heeze-Leende and Brainport Bereikbaar successfully collaborated on this measure and can allow buses on the emergency lane one year earlier than planned.
On more routes
This has not only been introduced on the A2. Earlier, the emergency lane of the A67 between Eersel and Eindhoven was already arranged for bus transport. Since September last year, buses have been passing traffic jams on the highway smoothly there. By mid-2026, it will also be possible for buses to use the emergency lane on parts of the A50 in both directions between Eindhoven and Veghel.