As of Friday, September 12, 2025, a temporary weight restriction for vehicles over 50 tons and an overtaking ban for all trucks will apply on the Papendrecht Bridge on the N3 near Papendrecht.
The weight restriction applies to a small number of trucks and exceptional transports. Buses, emergency services, agricultural vehicles, and most trucks can still use the bridge. The measures are intended to ensure that the rest of the traffic can continue to use the bridge safely.
Temporary Weight Restriction
The weight restriction applies to vehicles over 50 tons. These will be redirected via the A15 and A16 with yellow signs. The extra travel time for this heavy traffic is about ten minutes. Another detour route goes via the A27 and A59. The extra travel time for this route is about thirty minutes.
Why These Measures?
In the 1960s and 1970s, many bridges were built, including the Papendrecht Bridge from 1967. These old bridges are facing increasing and heavier traffic for which they were not originally designed and are due for renewal.
In preparation for the future renewal of our steel bridges and concrete viaducts, we are investigating the technical condition of the bridges to determine what needs to be done in the future and whether temporary measures are necessary to ensure they meet safety standards until renewal. Research on the fixed part of the Papendrecht Bridge (the arch) shows that the bridge is safe to use but does not meet current safety standards. Therefore, we are now taking temporary measures to relieve the bridge.
Follow-Up Measures
Currently, we are investigating how to strengthen the bridge so that it meets the standards again and we can end the temporary measures. We aim to implement the strengthening measures from July next year if the bridge is already closed for the renewal of the movable part of the bridge.
Papendrecht Bridge
The Papendrecht Bridge is an important link for local traffic between Dordrecht and Papendrecht and for through traffic between the A16 and A15. The bridge is also part of an important hazardous materials route. In addition, agricultural vehicles also use the bridge. The bridge is managed by Rijkswaterstaat.
In 2026/2027, the movable part of the bridge will be renewed, which is at the end of its lifespan. For this, the entire bridge will be closed to road traffic for nine months starting from the beginning of summer and for fourteen months for high shipping (>12.90 m). During these fourteen months, we will allow passage for high shipping once a month. The renewal of the fixed part of the bridge is not yet scheduled. Until renewal, we will keep a close eye on the bridge and take measures as necessary.
Prepare Well
In the coming years, we will replace or renovate a large number of aging bridges, tunnels, and roads in South Holland. Read more about the work in the South Holland region. Do you want to travel smarter during the work and avoid inconvenience? Then prepare well.
Visit the website of South Holland Accessible for an overview of major works in South Holland and for inspiration on smarter and more sustainable travel. Employers or logistics entrepreneurs can also find tips on mobility, regulations, and more efficient logistics here. This way, we keep South Holland moving together in the coming years.
More Information on N3
For more information about these measures, you can contact us.