The Haringvliet Bridge on the A29 is a vital link between South Holland, North Brabant, and Zeeland and an important route for international traffic. Due to increasing and heavier traffic, the steel box girder bridge from 1964 suffers from fatigue and cracks have appeared.
Complete Replacement of Bridge Deck
In 2023, the movable part (the flap) was replaced because it was urgently needed. Rijkswaterstaat is now preparing the renewal of the fixed part. For this, during the planning phase, the renewal variant of a complete replacement of the bridge deck on the existing pillars is being developed. This is done in collaboration with engineering firms Arup and Tauw.
Renewal Options
We have investigated several alternatives for renewal, ranging from renovating the existing bridge deck to building a new bridge alongside it. All results, including different implementation methods, have been compared, considering implementation costs, disruption to road traffic, disruption to (large) shipping, procedure time, and duration of execution.
Replacing the bridge deck on the existing pillars emerged as the most feasible option based on these criteria. This alternative will therefore be further investigated and developed in the coming years.
Planning Phase
In the planning phase, we investigate the effects of the renewal on nature and the consequences for traffic and shipping. The environment is involved through a project procedure.
This project procedure starts early 2026 with the publication of the notification of intent and participation, followed by conducting an exploration and a draft project decision. Subsequently, a final project decision will be made. The renewal of the Haringvliet Bridge is expected to start in 2031 or 2032.
How long the Haringvliet Bridge will need to be closed for (water) road traffic is not yet clear. However, it is known that the disruption will be significant, between six and twelve months.
Works in South Holland
Good infrastructure gives us freedom of movement. We build new lanes or roads but are mainly busy renewing and replacing existing roads, tunnels, bridges, and viaducts in South Holland in the coming years. Much of our infrastructure is already older and was built in the fifties and sixties.
Meanwhile, there are many more inhabitants, traffic is more intense, and vehicles are heavier. We also have to take into account extreme weather, such as heat, flooding, or drought. This renewal requires a lot of work in the coming years. Unfortunately, this will not be without disruption and inconvenience.
For a complete overview, see the page Works in the South Holland Region. Visit the website of South Holland Accessible for inspiration to travel smarter and more sustainably. Employers or logistics entrepreneurs can also find tips on mobility, schemes, and more efficient logistics here.
Keep Moving
Ultimately, we do it for a reason: well-maintained infrastructure gives us freedom of movement. This is crucial for work, study, trade, holidays, family visits, and supplying our shops and hospitals. By addressing our roads, viaducts, tunnels, and bridges, we remain a strong country that can move smoothly and safely.
If you want to travel smarter and avoid disruption during the works, prepare well. Visit the website of South Holland Accessible for an overview of major works in South Holland and inspiration to travel smarter and more sustainably.
Employers or logistics entrepreneurs can also find tips on mobility, schemes, and more efficient logistics here. This way, together we keep South Holland moving in the coming years.
More Information about Haringvliet Bridge Works
For more information about the above works, visit the website of Rijkswaterstaat Traffic Information or contact us here.
