Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management) has imposed an immediate ban on freight traffic crossing the Merwedebrug on the A27 motorway near Gorinchem. The measure came into effect on Saturday, 18 July at 5:30 PM, following the results of a structural assessment.
The investigation revealed that the steel used in the bridge's arch construction is weaker in several locations than previously expected. As a result, the structural safety of the bridge for heavy goods vehicles can no longer be guaranteed.
Freight traffic is being diverted via the following routes:
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials are required to use the A2.
Rijkswaterstaat expects increased traffic congestion on these alternative routes. Combined with ongoing roadworks elsewhere in the region, road users should anticipate longer travel times.
The restriction applies exclusively to freight traffic. Passenger cars, motorcycles, vans and other regular traffic may continue to use the Merwedebrug.
Public transport buses and emergency services are exempt from the restriction to ensure regional accessibility and continuity of essential services.
Additional inspections and research are being carried out to assess the quality of the bridge's steel structure and determine the necessary follow-up measures. Rijkswaterstaat will provide further updates as soon as more information becomes available.
If your transport route normally includes the A27 near Gorinchem, please take the current diversions into account and allow for additional transit time where possible.
Our planning team is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to optimise transport routes to minimise any impact on your shipments.
If you have any questions about your shipment or transport planning, please do not hesitate to contact the team at DNA Forwarder. We are happy to help you find the best solution.
📞 076 596 44 44 | ✉️ info@dna.forwarder.net