During the weekend of May 9 to 12, 2025, Rijkswaterstaat will remove the wooden bridge Krúsrak over the N7. The bridge will be transported to a nearby work site for renovation and maintenance.
During the same weekend, a temporary steel bridge will replace Krúsrak.
The removal of Krúsrak and the exchange with the temporary bridge will take place in one weekend to minimize disruption for traffic and residents. ‘We will work continuously, in two shifts,’ says chief executor Friso Jongeneel from CT de Boer.
‘The temporary bridge is ready at the work site on Selfhelpweg, where the renovation of Krúsrak will take place. To transport the bridges over the water, we have prepared a temporary overpass or bridge over the water.’
N7 Closed
The removal weekend starts on Friday, May 9 at 8:00 PM. The N7 near Krúsrak and Akkerwinde will then be closed and traffic will be redirected. ‘First, we will remove the guardrails and the median barrier of Krúsrak. Then we will prepare the bridge for transport,’ Jongeneel explains.
Transport of the Bridges
On Saturday, May 10, the transport of the bridges will start, a major operation. This will be done with SPMTs (Self Propelled Modular Transporters) from Wagenborg Nedlift. This transport equipment is suitable for heavy loads like Krúsrak, which weighs more than 300 tons.
‘Krúsrak and the temporary bridge cannot pass each other on the N7, there is no room for that,’ Jongeneel explains. ‘Therefore, we will first place the temporary bridge on the highway, towards Joure.’
‘Then we will detach Krúsrak, lift the bridge with hydraulic jacks, and transport it via the overpass to the work site. Next, we will drive the temporary bridge to the location where Krúsrak was.’ On the night from Saturday to Sunday, the temporary bridge will be connected.
‘Finally, we will lay asphalt. This is necessary due to the height difference of 28 cm between Krúsrak and the temporary bridge. The disruption will last until May 12 at 5:00 AM. If we finish the work earlier, the road will open sooner. Traffic can then use the familiar connection again via the temporary bridge.’
Viewing Area for the Public
The bridge exchange is a large, well-prepared operation. ‘Everything has been accurately measured and calculated in advance,’ says Jongeneel. ‘Removing an iconic bridge like Krúsrak and placing a bridge back will be a magnificent sight. Therefore, we will set up a viewing area for the public with barriers on Selfhelpweg. There, interested parties can safely and well watch this spectacle!’
The transport of Krúsrak will take place approximately between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The transport of the temporary bridge to Akkerwinde will follow afterward and will take until about 4:00 PM. This is a rough schedule and may change due to various influences.
The viewing area on Selfhelpweg next to the work site will be open on Saturday, May 10 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There is limited parking available on the grounds of the Baptist Church on Selfhelpweg. Please come by bike or on foot if you want to come and watch.