With the arrival of new systems for control, operation, and monitoring, the chance of malfunctions at the Spijkenisser Bridge decreases. However, this is not yet the case in the initial period when the new systems are back in use. How does that work exactly?
Updated Systems
The old systems of the Spijkenisser Bridge have aged over the years and become more prone to malfunctions. This is a major reason why all systems are now being updated. In a busy region like this, a malfunction immediately has significant consequences, both on the water and on the road: all traffic must detour and is thus longer on the road.
Moreover, a malfunction always occurs unexpectedly, and it is often not immediately clear when it has been resolved. For motorists and (moped) cyclists wishing to cross the bridge, this is understandably very inconvenient. The new systems should lead to fewer malfunctions and thus less traffic disruption.
Extensively Tested
The eastern lift, on the Hoogvliet side, has been operating on the new systems since late August 2025. During the summer vacation, these systems were extensively tested to minimize the chance of malfunctions, says Robbert Geers, technical advisor for the project on behalf of Rijkswaterstaat. And that has helped: so far, the lift has gone up and down without any problems.
Tens of Kilometers of Cable
Meanwhile, the lift on the Spijkenisse side is out of service. This is necessary to complete the renovation on that side as well. This lift will also receive new motors, new lifting cables, and new installations.
At the same time, the contractor has begun to dismantle and remove the old systems and installations in the bridge. Because work is being done, there is temporarily a greater chance of malfunction.
The new systems were built while the old ones were still partially in use. The bridge now contains tens of kilometers of electrical cables and dozens of control cabinets: some are new, some must remain, and some can be removed. We do this removal very carefully. Nevertheless, a human error cannot be completely ruled out. Additionally, there may be teething problems in the initial period, such as a sensor that is set too tightly. If there is a malfunction, we will of course try to repair it as quickly as possible.
Safer and More Reliable
The renovation of the Spijkenisser Bridge will last until the end of 2025. After completion, the chance of malfunctions is expected to decrease. Will there never be a malfunction again?
That is unfortunately impossible. An incident such as a cable break or a component breaking down can always occur. However, with the new systems, we will have a bridge that is safer and more reliable than before.