Published on: December 18, 2025, 10:34 AM
The last weekend closure of the Spijkenisser Bridge was some time ago. However, work on the bridge continues until May 2026.
At the beginning of November 2025, the western lift was put back into use. Since then, the entire Spijkenisser Bridge has been operating on the new systems. In the run-up to this, everything was focused on that switch, says Arjan Labee, technical manager at Rijkswaterstaat.
And it succeeded, within the schedule. Since then, contractor Yunex Traffic/Heijmans has been busy with finishing works. Compare it to a renovation in your own home: at the end, you are still busy making everything neat again, laying the skirting boards.
Removing parts, renovating last lifts
What do the finishing works look like in this renovation? We remove all parts that are no longer needed. Think of the remaining old installations and cabling, but also the temporary scaffolding needed to access everywhere.
In addition, we are working on renovating the lifts in pillar two; in the other two pillars, this has already been done. And there is still fine-tuning. For example, the so-called spring buffers are better adjusted relative to each other. These spring buffers ensure that the lift comes down smoothly.
Delivery dossier and manual
The coming period is also dedicated to checks, inspections, and rounds of approvals. Is there sufficient lighting everywhere? Do the cable trays and machines meet all requirements? Have sufficient measures been taken to use the machines safely? This way, we eventually arrive at a delivery dossier and a manual for the manager.
Additional wishes
Finally, Rijkswaterstaat looks together with the contractor whether additional work can be carried out until May 2026. The contractor is there anyway, the auxiliary bridges are in place. Just like in a home renovation, extra wishes may arise during execution, depending on the available budget. One of those wishes is, for example, replacing the railings on the pillars.
The site hut on the Hoogvliet side has now been removed. On the Spijkenisse side, it will remain until the end of the works.