Merwedebrug reopens early after accelerated works
The A27 bridge near Gorinchem received a lighter asphalt layer ahead of schedule.
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The Merwedebrug on the A27 near Gorinchem has reopened to traffic. Work on the road surface was completed earlier than expected, Rijkswaterstaat reported on Saturday evening, according to NOS.
The bridge between Gorinchem and Werkendam had been closed since Thursday evening. The closure was due to last until 05.00 on Monday 28 September, but motorists can now cross the bridge again. The early reopening limits disruption on an important route between Utrecht and Brabant.
During the works, the existing asphalt layer was removed and replaced with a thinner, lighter layer. As a result, the bridge has become approximately 400 tonnes lighter, according to Rijkswaterstaat. The intervention was necessary to keep using the existing structure safely while a new connection is being built beside the bridge.
The Merwedebrug has been in a vulnerable condition for some time. Research showed in July that parts of the steel in the arch structure were less strong than previously assumed. That is why lorries and coaches are still not allowed to cross the bridge. The new asphalt layer does not change that ban.
A maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour applies to other traffic on the bridge. Rijkswaterstaat introduced the lower limit because of possible differences in height at the expansion joints. During the closure, motorists were diverted via, among others, the A2, A15 and A59. Now that the bridge has reopened, the diversion no longer applies to cars, but heavy traffic must continue to take an alternative route.
The consequences for haulage companies therefore remain noticeable. According to NOS, around 18,000 lorries normally crossed the bridge each day. Rijkswaterstaat is diverting lorry traffic via the A15, A16 and A59, among others; vehicles carrying hazardous substances must follow a route via the A2. The precise amount of additional delay caused to traffic by the earlier closure has not been established in the available sources.
The road-surface works form part of a larger replacement project. Construction of a new western Merwedebrug beside the existing bridge began in August. Rijkswaterstaat expects the new bridge to be completed in 2031. Until then, further investigations and restrictions will remain necessary. The results of follow-up research into the structure are expected in October. More clarity on the next steps is due later this year.
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The article’s central claims have been directly confirmed by a recent NOS publication and official information from Rijkswaterstaat. Background figures and the timetable for the replacement bridge can also be found in the sources.
- confirmed The Merwedebrug reopened ahead of schedule after the works. — NOS reported the reopening and that the works had been completed faster than expected. source
- confirmed The planned closure lasted until 05.00 on Monday 28 September 2026. — This is stated in Rijkswaterstaat’s timetable. source
- confirmed The new asphalt layer made the bridge approximately 400 tonnes lighter. — Rijkswaterstaat explicitly cites this difference in weight. source
- confirmed The ban on lorries and coaches remains in force. — Rijkswaterstaat states that the ban will remain in place after the works. source
- confirmed A maximum speed of 70 kilometres per hour applies on the bridge. — The lower speed limit is included in the official project information. source
- confirmed Around 18,000 lorries normally crossed the bridge each day. — This figure is mentioned in the recent NOS article. source
- confirmed The new western Merwedebrug is expected to be completed in 2031. — Rijkswaterstaat gives 2031 as the expected completion date. source
- confirmed Follow-up research into the structure is expected in October. — This timetable is listed on Rijkswaterstaat’s project page. source
Editor's note
The early reopening, the asphalt works, the difference in weight and the continuing restrictions have been confirmed by NOS and Rijkswaterstaat. Current traffic levels after the reopening and the exact time at which the bridge reopened have not been independently established.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- NRC — „merwedebrug a27”
- NU.nl — „merwedebrug a27”
- De Telegraaf — „merwedebrug a27”