According to Groningen Bereikbaar, the organisation overseeing most of Groningen’s major transport infrastructure projects, multiple carriageways will be closed on the A7, N7 southern ring road and A28 for the next three months.
Avoid travel by car
“The closures will have major consequences for the entire city of Groningen”, they write on their website. “Significant disruption to traffic is expected on the diversions, as well as on many other roads in and around the city.”
Travellers within the city are encouraged to go by bike or public transport and use park and ride sites in order to limit traffic congestion: the infrastructure company projects that 80,000 fewer cars will need to be on the road to prevent major back-ups.
Commuters are also advised to continue working from home as much as possible, not only in keeping with coronavirus prevention but also to make sure the motorway is less busy. When the Julianaplein reopens, there will be a flyover and a smoother flow of traffic unhindered by traffic lights.
Ring road set for completion in 2024
Road works at the Julianaplein are part of the broader Southern Ring Road project, which is due to be completed in 2024. The massive revamp to Groningen’s motorway has faced multiple delays and was originally scheduled for completion in 2021.
