Suurhoffbrug Bridge Closure Impacts Access to the Port of Rotterdam

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands announced the temporary closure of the Suurhoffbrug bridge. The measure aims to repair structural problems of the aforementioned infrastructure, however, it will affect operations at the Port of Rotterdam.

In this regard, the state agency reported that "during an inspection of the Suurhoff bridge (A15), in the westbound direction, towards Maasvlakte, cracks were detected in one of the main beams. This affects its stability and load-bearing capacity. For safety reasons, Rijkswaterstaat will implement a measure for traffic heading towards Maasvlakte."

"All traffic will be diverted to the hard shoulder and the two main lanes will remain closed. This measure aims to immediately reduce the load on the bridge. Maritime traffic under the Suurhoffbrug bridge will not be affected," the publication added.

In addition, the Ministry stated that "this provisional measure is adopted for safety reasons, but it will naturally have consequences for road users. Rijkswaterstaat regrets this situation, but, unfortunately, it is unavoidable. In the short term, all traffic in both directions will use the eastern Suurhoffbrug bridge to relieve congestion on the western Suurhoffbrug bridge."

In this regard, the Dutch port stated that "the closure affects one of the most important access roads to the Port of Rotterdam and will have a significant negative impact on supply chains and economic activity in the area. It is essential that these necessary repairs are carried out as soon as possible and that the Maasvlakte channel becomes easily and safely accessible again in the short term."

For now, the works began on the afternoon of September 16, and the Ministry of Infrastructure has not yet provided deadlines for the completion of the traffic restrictions.