5 months Ago
Fatal Crash and Fire on A9
Preliminary reports indicate the truck rear-ended a sedan, sparking a fire and killing a person inside the car. Fire trucks, ambulances and a trauma helicopter were sent to the scene by emergency crews. The A9 was closed in both directions all night for a rescue and investigation operation.
Some lanes — those in the direction of Alkmaar — had reopened by 7:42 a.m. Tuesday, but damage to the road surface required Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch transportation authority, to impose a 70 km/h (about 40 m.p.h.) speed limit; full repairs to the asphalt would start after at least 9:00 p.m.
A10 Roadworks Add to Congestion
This was compounded by construction work on the southern end of the A10 motorway, which was already causing large amounts of traffic to divert onto the A9. Heavy rush hour congestion began building on Tuesday on both of the country's major highways, with hold-ups of up to 45 minutes around Amsterdam.
Temporary Speed Limit in Place
Rijkswaterstaat has announced that the 70 km/h limit will be maintained for the rest of the day on the impacted stretch of the A9, to provide normal safety while permanent repairs are made. Whittlesey police have also sent the alert to all those signed up to receive traffic and travel updates. Drivers are being warned to prepare for delays and plan alternative routes during the evening rush-hour.
