In addition to residents of Bad Nieuweschans, representatives from various interest groups from the water sports sector were present at the village center De Akkerschans. The alderman Nieboer from the municipality of Oldambt was also present.

Reactions from Attendees on Preferred Alternative

During the information evening, it quickly became clear that some attendees were concerned about a fixed bridge with a concrete deck. Despite a clearance height of 4 m, the bridge, should the preferred variant go ahead, would no longer be passable for ships with a standing mast. When there is a blockage on the Eemskanaal, ships with a standing mast can choose the route via the Westerwoldse Aa. With a fixed bridge, this option is lost.

Some attendees also raised concerns about potential future plans to increase recreational boating in the province of Groningen. A fixed bridge could have negative implications for these plans.

Finally, questions were raised about noise pollution. Residents experience nuisance from the short-term thumping noise caused by the current bridge. Research into the preferred variant, conducted by engineering firm Witteveen+Bos, shows that a fixed bridge with a concrete deck offers the most guarantees to reduce these noises and thus alleviate the nuisance for residents.

Next Steps for the Westerwoldse Aa Bridge

At the end of May, a governmental consultation will follow with other authorities regarding the planned investments in the area. Afterwards, our final advice (the fixed bridge with a concrete deck) will be submitted for decision-making, and it will be up to the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management to make a final decision. This final decision will also take into account all signals from the surrounding area and objections from interest organizations and other authorities.

On the website of  Inbeeld  you will find the presentation that was given during the information evening on May 8 and the discussion document that was shown during this evening.