In good collaboration and coordination with regional authorities and the maritime sector, a method of execution has been chosen that allows the shipping industry, although limited, to remain accessible. With an average of 1 bridge opening per month, a middle ground has been found to distribute the disruption for road and shipping traffic as fairly as possible. The bridge is of great importance for road and bicycle traffic between Dordrecht and Papendrecht and for large vessels (>12.90 m) from major shipbuilders in the Drechtsteden. The bridge is the only access route to the Beneden-Merwede. There is no alternative route.

Emergency Services

Rijkswaterstaat has consulted with emergency services and the healthcare sector regarding the project and the consequences of the long closure. The premise is that emergency services in the Drechtsteden must remain at a high level during the execution of the work and response times must be met.

Ronald Nomes, Chief Engineer Director Rijkswaterstaat West-Nederland Zuid:

‘Rijkswaterstaat understands that the renovation of the Papendrecht Bridge has a huge impact on the users of the bridge. The high shipping traffic will be significantly limited and must adjust its entire operation. Detours for road traffic on the already busy A15 and A16 will cause additional travel time, and cyclists will also experience delays. And we will need to address more bridges and tunnels in the Drechtsteden in the coming years to prepare them for the future. Therefore, we ask residents and businesses for understanding and cooperation to keep the region accessible.’

Detours

Road traffic will be diverted via the A15 and A16. (E-)bicyclists can use a ferry. In the coming months, we will work together with the Drechtsteden, emergency services, public transport companies, and Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar on a package of measures to minimize the disruption as much as possible.

Rik van der Linden, Alderman for Mobility and Accessibility of the Municipality of Dordrecht:

‘These necessary works will inevitably cause significant disruption. With a package of measures, we can mitigate that disruption. And it will require adjustments from both residents and businesses.’

Arno Janssen, Alderman for Traffic, Transport, and Water Management of Papendrecht:

‘The Papendrecht Bridge is one of the most important connections for the residents and entrepreneurs of Papendrecht. And certainly also for emergency services. We understand that the bridge needs maintenance, and a 9-month closure will affect the (in)accessibility of Papendrecht. In the coming months, Rijkswaterstaat and the province will need to work hard with the regional municipalities to come up with supportive measures to minimize the disruption and inconvenience for our residents and the region.’

Ramon Pardo, Chair of the Regional Administrative Consultation on Accessibility and Mobility in the Drechtsteden:

‘I especially urge all residents to step out of their cars and use alternative means of transport. To keep the region moving.’

Package of Measures

Together with the province, municipalities, and the Safety Region, Rijkswaterstaat is working on an extensive package of measures to keep the region temporarily accessible by (e-)bike and public transport. We will deploy a bicycle ferry, make transfers from bus/train to a shared bike easier, and provide discount promotions for bus, train, and waterbus. The bicycle path over the Baanhoek Bridge will be the designated detour route for emergency services and will not be available for cyclists during the closure for road traffic.

Together with the municipalities and the Safety Region, we will inform the public and businesses about these measures in the coming period through discussions, meetings, social media, and the website of Rijkswaterstaat .

Implementation Measures

From the start of the renovation, the bridges flap will be lifted out, and the roof of the bridge cellar will be removed. Then all movable parts in the cellar and the associated systems for operating, controlling, and monitoring the bridge will be replaced. The cellar walls must also be reinforced. Additionally, the pillar on which the bridge rests must be strengthened. For this, pontoons will be placed in the navigation channel, making it inaccessible to shipping. Once a month, the navigation channel will be cleared to allow ships to pass.

More information about the renovation of the Papendrecht Bridge?

For more information about the renovation of the Papendrecht Bridge, visit the project page.

Prepare well

In the coming years, Rijkswaterstaat will replace or renovate a large number of outdated bridges, tunnels, and roads in South Holland. Read more about the work in the South Holland region.

Do you want to travel smarter and avoid disruption during the works? Then prepare well. Check the website of Zuid-Holland Bereikbaar 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. Together, we will keep South Holland moving in the coming years.