Three contractor combinations have registered for the construction of the new Gerrit Krol Bridge. This means the first step of the tendering process is complete. All three parties have demonstrated sufficient experience to carry out this complex project, the construction of a new bridge in the middle of the city.
Rijkswaterstaat will discuss with these contractors in the coming months how best to approach the construction. This concerns the bridge itself, the roads leading to it, and the adjustment of the shipping route. In summer 2026, Rijkswaterstaat will decide based on the offers which contractor will build the new bridge.
On the agenda
In the coming months, we will work together with the contractors to determine the best way to execute the new construction. On the agenda is, among other things, reviewing the design of the bridge and the sequence of the work.
We find it important that the work causes as little inconvenience and disruption as possible. Therefore, Rijkswaterstaat asks the contractors to make plans to minimize the inconvenience for residents, businesses, and cyclists/pedestrians as much as possible.
When will the contractor be announced?
In spring 2026, the contractors will submit their final offers. Then the evaluation follows. In summer 2026, it will be announced which party will build the new Gerrit Krol Bridge. After preparations, construction will begin at the end of 2026/beginning of 2027. If everything goes according to plan, the new bridge will be ready for use in autumn 2029.
What will the new Gerrit Krol Bridge look like?
The new Gerrit Krol Bridge will be a bascule bridge with two fixed bicycle and pedestrian bridges. The roads and intersections around the bridge will also be adjusted. For example, a new bicycle street will be created from the Korreweg across the bridge. In addition, part of the old Hunze river will be restored in the landscape. The area around the bridge will change: soon you will be able to walk under the bridge and there will be more places to recreate along the canal.
If you want to read more about the new construction of the Gerrit Krol Bridge, please see the project page Main Shipping Route Lemmer-Delfzijl: construction of new Gerrit Krol Bridge.
