Traffic Disruptions in Amsterdam and Utrecht Due to Road Closures

A1 and A12 Closures Cause Major Delays

The A1 highway, which connects Amsterdam with the eastern parts of the Netherlands, will be closed for several weeks. The closure spans from the Diemen Junction to the Watergraafsmeer junction, which will significantly impact traffic. Similarly, the A12, a key route between Utrecht and Veenendaal, will be closed from Arnhem to Utrecht. These closures are expected to cause serious traffic jams, particularly for anyone traveling from the east to Amsterdam.

In addition to these closures, a stretch of the A2 from Veenendaal to Utrecht will be shut down for nine days, further complicating travel in the region. Detours are likely to add an hour to travel times, with traffic expected to be especially heavy during peak hours.

Rijkswaterstaat Explains the Necessity of Roadworks

Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch public works department responsible for road maintenance, acknowledged that these closures will cause frustration for commuters. However, the department emphasized that the closures are necessary to fix damaged parts of the road and prevent unexpected shutdowns in the future, which could lead to more severe disruptions. Niels van den Brink of Rijkswaterstaat explained that while the department aims to carry out maintenance work during weekends and nights, there are simply too many repairs needed, and this is the most efficient way to handle the situation.

Details of Road Closures

1. A1: Between Watergraafsmeer and Diemen junctions, closed from Friday, May 9, at 10:00 p.m. to Monday, May 26, at 5:00 a.m.

2. A12: Between Lunetten and Maanderbroek junctions, closed from Friday, May 9, at 8:00 p.m. to Monday, May 19, at 5:00 a.m.

3. A27: Between Everdingen and Lunetten junctions, closed from Friday, May 9, at 10:00 p.m. to Monday, May 12, at 5:00 a.m.

4. A58: Between De Baars and Tilburg-Reeshof junctions, closed from Friday, May 9, at 9:00 p.m. to Monday, May 19, at 5:00 a.m.

5. A67: Between Leenderheide and Zaarderheiken junctions, closed from Friday, May 9, at 9:00 p.m. to Monday, May 12, at 5:00 a.m., then again from Friday, May 16, at 9:00 p.m. to Monday, May 19, at 5:00 a.m.

6. A2: Between Maarssen and Oudenrijn junctions, closed from Friday, May 16, at 8:00 p.m. to Monday, May 19, at 6:00 a.m., and again on the following weekend at the same times.

These closures are set to last for weeks, and drivers are encouraged to plan their routes accordingly.

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