Groningen is about to experience a major change in its transportation network. The new ring road, which has been in the works for some time, is scheduled to open on Sunday, September 1st, according to The Groninger Internet Courant. While this development is expected to improve traffic flow and accessibility throughout the city, residents and commuters should brace themselves for some initial disruptions. Several road closures and ongoing construction activities will follow the ring road’s debut, so it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared.
Say goodbye to traffic jams
Groningen’s new ring road is a cornerstone of Operation Ring Zuid, a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing the city’s infrastructure. The project addresses chronic traffic congestion and aims to improve road safety and support urban growth.
The old ring road was struggling to cope with increasing traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours, leading to frequent delays and congestion. The new road is designed to alleviate these issues by providing more efficient routes and better connections to new neighborhoods and business districts. This will not only enhance traffic flow but also stimulate economic development in the region.
Years in the making
The project, which began in 2016, has involved extensive planning, environmental assessments, and community consultations to determine the best route and design.
Construction kicked off in 2017, with crews relocating utilities, preparing the ground, and building new bridges, tunnels, and viaducts. The project faced delays due to complex ground conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the final phase of construction was completed in 2022, paving the way for the ring road’s imminent opening.
Now, after years of anticipation, Groningen residents and commuters can look forward to the benefits of improved traffic flow and accessibility that the new ring road will bring.
Road closures ahead
Even as Groningen prepares to celebrate the opening of its long-awaited new ring road, commuters must brace for temporary road closures. Several key roads will be closed in the coming weeks, so it’s essential to plan your routes accordingly.
From September 2nd to 6th, the Paterswoldseweg under the viaduct will be closed to vehicles. Laan van de Vrede and Muntinglaan will also be inaccessible during this time. Following this, Brailleweg will be closed from September 7th to 29th, affecting both cars and cyclists. The on and off-ramps to the A28 highway will also be closed during this period.
To make matters worse, Van Ketwich Verschuurlaan will be closed for road resurfacing from September 30th to October 11th. Alternative routes will be necessary during this two-week closure.
More road updates
Mid-October marks the start of the demolition of the old ring road section over Hereweg. While the exact date for this demolition is still pending, the reconstruction efforts on Hereweg are expected to last until mid-December. The renovations aim to give the road a fresh start with an improved layout and enhanced safety features. Thankfully, cyclists will not be affected, as bike paths will remain accessible throughout the construction period.
The road improvement efforts extend beyond Groningen’s city limits. This fall, work is also scheduled around the Knijpsbrug in Hoogezand. Furthermore, sections of the N46 will be closed for two days in September, and the N33 will see a weekend closure between Assen and Siddeburen.
Although the ongoing roadworks may cause some temporary inconvenience, they are essential for long-term improvements to Groningen’s infrastructure. Opting for public transport can help you avoid traffic, and for those who enjoy cycling, Groningen provides numerous alternative routes to bypass construction zones. Keep an eye out for further updates, and always check local news for any changes to the schedule.
