A bridge too far: at least 1,000 road bridges exceed lifespan
See more DutchNews articles in your Google search results
See more DutchNews articles in your Google search results
Add as a favourite source on Google Add DutchNews as a favourite source on Google
One thousand ageing Dutch bridges must be renovated or replaced, a board member of the Bouwend Nederland building trade association has told BNR radio.
Martijn Smitt, who is also director of the building firm BAM Infra, said: ‘Many bridges were developed for a lifespan of 50 years and some have already passed this.’
He predicted more measures such as the ban on lorries and other vehicles over 3.5 tons in weight on the Merwedebrug earlier this week. Police are now checking that buses also take a different route over the 55-year-old structure, according to NOS broadcaster.
Smitt added that the loads on bridges have increased exponentially in recent years and many small constructions must take the weight of major road traffic.
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.
We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.
Make a donation