This was a challenge because traffic over the A16 and the Terbregseplein had to keep moving, and it needed to be completed when the A16 Rotterdam was finished. We chose a construction method that minimized disruption for residents and road users.

Traffic could continue to flow as much as possible during the demolition and reconstruction of the viaduct over temporary viaducts and road diversions.

Work with Work

By making work with work, we also minimized the inconvenience. Closures were well coordinated and combined with other projects and road managers where possible.

For example, with work on the Van Brienenoord Bridge (further down the A16) and the municipality of Rotterdams work on the Van Beveren Bridge (over the A16) and the Hoofdweg (under the A16).

Flex Speed Cameras

The A16 at the viaduct consists of 2x 4 lanes, and more than 200,000 vehicles travel over it every day. Naturally, replacing a viaduct on such a busy highway cannot be done without some inconvenience. For safety on the narrowed lanes, traffic was subject to a reduced maximum speed of 70 km/h over the temporary viaducts and on the road diversion.

In consultation, the Public Prosecution Service also installed flex speed cameras to enforce that temporarily reduced speed. Furthermore, the entrance ramp A16 Prins Alexander (27) was closed for almost 1.5 years after the work was completed (in September). There were also various weekend closures of the A16 and the Hoofdweg in Rotterdam.

Monster Task via Livestream

The work also produced beautiful images. After the road diversion in the southern direction was opened to traffic on April 29, 2024, a spectacular monster task was completed during the long Ascension weekend from May 8-13.

The entire existing viaduct (2 directions) was demolished, and a temporary viaduct in the opposite direction was hoisted into place in 4 parts. The public could watch the work, which continued day and night, via a livestream.

1530 Tons on Mini Wheels

During the same weekend, work was combined with other tasks. In this case, for the construction of the new highway A16 Rotterdam that will connect to the existing A16 at this location.

This was particularly challenging because the work took place directly next to the viaduct being demolished and was equally spectacular: a ready-made viaduct of 1530 tons was driven into place to create a new entrance ramp for the A16 Rotterdam.

This new highway will be opened to traffic in phases on October 6 and 27, 2025, after more than 6 years of construction.

Almost Done

The work to replace the viaduct on the A16 started in June 2023. In August and September 2025, the last 2 weekend closures of the A16 will occur for the replacement of the viaduct and to return the lanes to their final positions.

From that moment on, traffic on the A16 will run over the brand new viaduct. Cleanup work will continue until March 2026.

Additionally, major maintenance will take place on the A16 until November 17, 2025. For an overview of all work, visit the project page A16: major maintenance between Rotterdam and Ridderkerk.

Also Work in 2026 and 2027

The replacement of the viaduct on the A16 is part of a much larger task for replacing our infrastructure. We will also be working in the Rotterdam region for the rest of this year. Check the overview of work in the Rotterdam region for a preview for 2026 and 2027.