Published on: December 23, 2025, 1:31 PM
Research into the safety of the bridges at Illikhoven, Roosteren, and Echt has led to the bridges receiving a weight restriction starting Wednesday, December 24, 2025. There is fatigue in the steel of the bridges. With this weight restriction, the bridges can remain safely in use by other traffic.
Measures
- At the Echt Bridge, heavy special transport (over 50 tons) is not allowed.
- At the Roosteren Bridge, trucks or agricultural traffic (heavier than 3.5 tons) are not allowed.
- At the Illikhoven Bridge, traffic lights (VRI) and barriers are placed so that traffic can drive via the middle of the bridge (up to a max of 50 tons).
Emergency services and public transport (Arriva) are exempt from the proposed traffic restrictions. This exception has no consequences for the safety of the bridges. Other (slow) traffic can continue to use the bridges.
Detour routes are indicated by signs.
Regular inspections
The bridges were built in 1963 and 1965 with a lifespan of 100 years. Because traffic has become more intense and heavier than in the 1960s, the bridges also wear out faster.
Every year, all bridges of Rijkswaterstaat are visually inspected. Additionally, we conduct more extensive inspections every 6 years.
Further research
To understand the effect of heavier use of the bridges, it was decided to further investigate all steel bridges we have. Research into these three bridges recently showed that their condition was worse than expected. The mentioned measures are necessary for the safety of the construction.
Next steps
We will further calculate the condition of the bridges. Results are expected mid-2026. It will also be examined whether temporary measures are possible to strengthen the bridges. This is all done in close cooperation with the managers of the three roads; the municipalities of Sittard-Geleen and Echt-Susteren and the province of Limburg.
Strengthen. Improve. Connect.
Good bridges, tunnels, viaducts, locks, and (water)ways are indispensable for our country. Millions of people, packages, and goods travel daily from A to B thanks to our infrastructure. Of course, we sometimes experience delays on the road. But the foundation is strong. We want to keep it that way, and that is not a given.
Much of our infrastructure was built in the 1950s and 1960s. Meanwhile, we have many more inhabitants, traffic is busier, and vehicles are heavier. We also have to take into account extreme weather, such as heat, flooding, or drought.
In other words, we face a major renewal challenge. This requires a lot of work in the coming years. Some bridges, tunnels, locks, or viaducts have to wait longer for their renovation.
This means that the chance of ICT system failures increases and that we sometimes have to take temporary measures. Think of temporarily lowering speed limits, not allowing freight traffic, or closing a lane for emergency repairs.