Motorists in and around Amsterdam are being warned that traffic congestion will worsen in the coming months as more roads are closed for major repairs.

This week, work will begin on the A1 motorway between Watergraafsmeer and Diemen, lasting throughout the summer and adding to the disruption already caused by numerous road closures within the city itself.

Gohdar Massom, from the infrastructure ministry’s roads department, told the Parool on Tuesday that projects are being planned up to 2035, but the disruption could last much longer.

“We are trying to prevent stoppages, but people are going to experience problems,” he said. “Many roads and the surrounding infrastructure date from before World War II and are nearing the end of their life.”

Work is also ongoing on parts of the A10 ring road, the A9 and the A4 to The Hague, as well as within the city. In addition, the A10 will be partially closed on 21 June for Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary celebrations.

The large-scale sailing event Sail in August, along with road closures linked to the June Nato summit in The Hague, will also affect the capital’s accessibility.

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Traffic experts say car use must be reduced by 20% to keep vehicles moving — double the usual drop seen during the school summer holidays.

“If you can, work from home,” Massom said. “If you have to travel, avoid rush hour and take public transport or share a ride.”

Various discount and free ticket schemes are also being launched to encourage public transport use while the roadworks continue.