Published on: January 20, 2026, 14:52
The project procedure for renewing the fixed part of the Haringvliet Bridge started on January 20, 2026.
Until Monday, March 2, everyone can respond to the intention of the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management to conduct an exploration into this renewal and how the environment will be involved. On Tuesday, February 3, Rijkswaterstaat will explain the plans during a walk-in meeting in Sommelsdijk.
Fatigue phenomena Haringvliet Bridge
The Haringvliet Bridge, built in 1964, suffers from fatigue phenomena. This causes cracks in the steel box girder bridge. Renewal of the bridge is therefore necessary. We have already investigated several alternatives in a preliminary exploration. From strengthening and renewing the existing bridge deck to building a new bridge next to it.
The alternatives
All options have been compared. For each option, the costs, the inconvenience for (shipping) traffic, the procedures to be followed, and the time required to carry out the renewal were considered. Replacing the bridge deck on the existing pillars emerged as the most feasible alternative.
This preferred alternative will be further investigated and elaborated in the coming years. The exploration will examine, among other things, the effects of the renewal on nature and the consequences for traffic and shipping.
Everyone can participate
We invite residents, users of the Haringvliet Bridge, and other interested parties to think along, make suggestions, bring ideas, and ask questions. All responses will be answered and made public in a response note. This note states what has been or will be done with the submitted responses.
The documents with information about the project and how the environment is involved are digitally available via Platform Participation . Responses can be submitted from January 20 until Monday, March 2. This can be done digitally, orally, or by mail.
Walk-in meeting on February 3
On Tuesday, February 3, we are organizing a walk-in meeting about the plans to start an exploration and the further procedure. Interested parties are welcome between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM at Recreatiecentrum De Staver, Olympiaweg 32 in Sommelsdijk. During this meeting, they can talk with Rijkswaterstaat staff about the exploration, ask questions, and get informed about the process.
Project procedure
The renewal of the Haringvliet Bridge is a complex project and important for many people. Therefore, the project procedure within the Environmental Law is followed. The procedure has several fixed steps.
The project procedure started with the announcement of the notification intention and participation. This is followed by conducting the exploration and a draft project decision. Then a final project decision is made. It may be that the renewed bridge does not fully fit within the existing environmental plans. With a project decision, these plans can be adjusted if necessary.