Published on: December 24, 2025, 1:26 PM
Before Christmas, spreading can resume on the bike paths of the Merwedebrug (A27) and Papendrechtsebrug (N3) if necessary. Since autumn 2025, both bike paths have been closed to vehicles other than (moped) bikes and disabled vehicles because the paths would otherwise be overloaded.
This made regular anti-icing measures impossible; the equipment was too heavy. In close consultation with the involved municipalities Altena, Gorinchem, Dordrecht, and Papendrecht, an alternative spreading method without heavy vehicles has now been found.
Alternative spreading method
From the north side of the Merwedebrug towards Altena, we spread the bike path up to the movable section with our own equipment. This is a vehicle with a trailer spreader, loaded as lightly as possible. This solution was successfully tested on December 22, 2025.
The movable part, or the flap, of the bike path is spread manually. The municipality of Altena spreads the bike path from the south side towards Gorinchem up to the flap with its own spreading equipment (a tractor with a small spreader). The Papendrechtsebrug is spread entirely manually.
Background information Merwedebrug and Papendrechtsebrug
Recent inspections show that the bike path of the movable part of the Merwedebrug must not be heavily loaded. The bike path of the Papendrechtsebrug must also not be heavily loaded. In December, warning signs were placed to warn cyclists that the bridges would not be spread in icy conditions. These signs have now been removed.
More information about anti-icing measures
If you have questions or comments about these works, please contact us.