As of 6:00 on the 11th of July, a portion of the southern ring road – between Euvelgunne junction and the Europaweg intersection – will be closed in either direction for seven weeks due to extensive roadworks.
“The deck of one of the viaducts here needs to be completely reconstructed. In addition, a new exit is being constructed,” said Bert Kramer of construction contractor Combinatie Herepoort, as reported by RTV Noord. The viaduct in question is to be extended over the Europaweg, on the northern side of the ring road.
The A28 between Julianaplein and the Groningen-South exit has reportedly been reopened under changed traffic conditions for the upcoming seven weeks. Only one lane is open in the direction of Julianaplein, with the Groningen-South slip road out of commission for the coming weeks. Traffic will also be unable to pass underneath the viaduct.
Additionally, new low-noise asphalt will be laid on the two under-construction carriageways, reports the Groninger Internet Courant. This will result in a wider road that is capable of handling increased traffic. The arch which connects the southern and eastern ring roads will also receive a new layering of asphalt.
Alternative Routes
The closure of the road between Euvelgunne and Europaweg means that motorists on the ring will need to use detours in order to go past the blockage. RTV Noord highlights two primary alternative routes: the northern ring road which adds an increase of fifteen minutes to travel time, or a shorter detour through exits 38 (from Julianaplein) or 39 (from East Groningen) which allows motorists to resume their journeys along the Europaweg.
“We do not recommend that route (the shorter detour), however, because only one lane is available at the entrance and exit of the southern ring road,’ explained Kramer, as reported by RTV Noord. He cites that, if too many motorists attempt to use the shorter detour, the increased traffic will result in jams and even longer waiting times.
Dangerous Workplace Situations
“We notice that it is becoming increasingly difficult to get staff. For example, it was very difficult to get enough traffic controllers. The roads were closed, but then there are still people who put the fences aside,” said Kramer to RTV Noord. The risk is that if one car drives through the displaced fences, then others will follow, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation for on-site construction workers who may not be prepared for the sudden in-flow of traffic.
