Published on: December 8, 2025, 2:54 PM
Our roads, waterways, bridges, locks, and water barriers form the backbone of our society and economy. However, this backbone is under pressure. This is evident from the report State of the Infrastructure published by Rijkswaterstaat on December 8, 2025.
State of the Infrastructure
The report provides insight into the technical condition of the main road network, main waterway network, and main water system for 2024 based on five criteria: safety, lifespan, reliability, availability, and technical condition.
The report shows that Rijkswaterstaat succeeded in achieving an average to good performance of the infrastructure networks in 2024. The report also reveals that the infrastructure of Rijkswaterstaat is increasingly under pressure. A growing part of the infrastructure is approaching or has exceeded its expected lifespan. Deferred maintenance is also increasing.
Concerns about Safety and Reliability
Our infrastructure not only ensures accessibility but also safety: dry feet thanks to dikes and the Delta Works. However, this safety is not a given. Inspections show that damage and wear occur more frequently. This makes it harder to keep everything in good condition and safe. Without additional investments, costly emergency measures and more inconvenience for road and waterway users are likely.
Major Investments Needed Now
Director-General of Rijkswaterstaat Martin Wijnen: Dutch infrastructure truly is the backbone of our society and economy. It has reached a critical limit. Major investments are needed now if we want to keep our infrastructure in order and safe. If this does not happen, people will increasingly be stuck on their way to work due to broken bridges or closed highways.
The Stretch is Over
Rijkswaterstaat and ProRail simultaneously present their reports: State of the Infrastructure and State of the Rail. Both organizations deliver the same message: the stretch is over. The Dutch Court of Audit calculated that the maintenance backlog for Rijkswaterstaat alone now amounts to €34.5 billion. For ProRail, it is €20 billion. Additional funding is urgently needed to make our infrastructure future-proof.
More Information on State of the Infrastructure Reports
Read the State of the Infrastructure Reports Rijkswaterstaat and ProRail 2024 for more information.
