nuSep 29, 2026, 08:57

Markerwaarddijk may be closed to heavy traffic for years

Heavy trucks will be prohibited from using the Markerwaarddijk starting October 21 due to significant wear and structural damage to the bridges at the Houtribsluizen. Rijkswaterstaat expects the restrictions to remain in place for several years, forcing freight traffic to detour via Amsterdam or the Afsluitdijk.

Heavy trucks will be restricted from crossing the Markerwaarddijk, also known as the Houtribdijk, starting October 21. While passenger vehicles, emergency services, and vans may continue to use the route, heavy freight traffic is required to detour via Amsterdam or the Afsluitdijk. This change is expected to add approximately ninety minutes to travel times for affected drivers. The measure, implemented by Rijkswaterstaat, serves as a proactive step to prevent further structural damage to the aging bridge infrastructure at the Houtribsluizen.

Investigations revealed that the fifty-year-old bridges suffer from degraded concrete and structural cracks in steel components. Consequently, Rijkswaterstaat has indicated that these traffic restrictions may remain in effect for several years while a long-term solution is sought. The dike remains a critical corridor for transport heading toward Flevoland and the eastern parts of the country. Officials are advising all commercial operators to plan accordingly for the extended duration of these infrastructure repairs.

Politics Economy Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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